Suspected bandits’ assault on a Mosque in Saya-Saya village, located in the Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna state on Friday, September 1, has resulted in the feared death of seven Muslims. During the incident, worshipers were engaged in their Isha’i (Sunset) prayers when the armed assailants launched the attack. Five individuals tragically lost their lives within the mosque, while two others met the same fate at separate locations in the vicinity.
The village Head, Malam Abdulrahaman Yusuf, confirmed the harrowing incident and revealed that among the victims slain inside the mosque was the head of the local vigilante group. He surmised that the attackers may have specifically targeted the vigilante boss, tracing him to the mosque. The attack occurred while congregants were deep in prayer, as the assailants arrived and opened fire, leaving a trail of death and distress. Tragically, even a driver delivering food supplies to the village fell victim to the violence, and another individual met their end in a nearby village.
The response from security agencies, which included soldiers and police from Ikara town and Palgore area, arrived at the scene at approximately 12:30 am. Unfortunately, by that time, the bandits had already departed the village, leaving behind a community in shock and mourning.
The acting Public Relations Officer of the state police command, Mansir Alhassan, confirmed the incident and detailed that security personnel had been dispatched to the nearby bushes in an effort to apprehend the perpetrators. Alhassan explained that the police and other security agencies were not alerted to the attack until after the assailants had departed from the area, complicating the response efforts.
This heart-wrenching event underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by communities in Kaduna state and the need for swift and coordinated action by security forces to protect innocent lives and restore a sense of safety and security in the region.
