In Nigeria, a deadly attack on a mosque in Kaduna State has left one worshipper dead and several others kidnapped, raising fresh concerns about security in an area where authorities have recently reported gains against armed criminal groups.
The assault occurred on Friday night in Unguwan Namama village, located in Giwa Local Government Area. According to local sources, heavily armed bandits stormed the community around 8 p.m. while worshippers were gathered for prayers.
Witness accounts indicate that the attackers surrounded the area and opened fire as people exited the mosque, causing panic among residents attempting to flee. The gunfire reportedly struck multiple worshippers, leaving several injured.
One of the victims killed during the attack was identified as Adamu Ibraheem. His relative, Abubakar Abdullahi, confirmed the incident in a message sent to members of the media.
Several people sustained gunshot wounds and were transported to hospital facilities for medical treatment. The full extent of the injuries remains unclear.
The attackers also abducted an unspecified number of residents during the operation. As of the latest reports, authorities had not confirmed the exact number of people taken away or those injured.
The incident comes despite recent assurances from the Kaduna State Government that significant progress has been made in efforts to curb banditry and improve security across affected communities. The latest violence is likely to renew questions about the continued threat posed by armed groups operating in parts of the state.
Residents of Giwa and surrounding areas have faced repeated security challenges in recent years, with attacks by bandits often resulting in deaths, injuries, kidnappings, and displacement.
Security agencies had not released an official statement on the attack at the time of reporting.
