Gunmen attack a mosque in Northern Nigeria, killed 18 worshipers

At least 18 worshipers were reportedly killed after armed men attacked a mosque in northern Nigeria.

Residents reported at least 18 people were killed in the early hours of Monday when armed men on motorbikes attacked a mosque in Niger state in northern Nigerian.

In the same statement, the residents said that the attackers arrived in the Maza-Zuka community, Mashegu local government area, at around 5. a.m.

A resident named Abdulganiyu Hassan detailed that the gunmen stormed the community on motorcycles in large numbers, went straight to the mosque, and shot at the worshippers at closed range while observing their early morning prayers resulting in 18 worshippers killed and others injured.

Hassan also added that the attackers also kidnaped more than ten people.

While another resident and witness, Bello Ayuba, explained that at least 20 people were wounded in this brutal attack.

On the other hand, The Police Public Relations Officer in the Niger State Command, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, has not yet responded to calls or messages sent to him seeking an explanation. However, a police spokesperson has confirmed the attack but did not provide details.

It is known that armed bandits operating for cash have kidnapped and killed hundreds of people across northwestern Nigeria this year.

However, both state and local Niger government officials recently said that the Islamist militant group Boko Haram had taken over many communities in the state. They are offering villagers some money intending to recruit them to join their ranks to fight the government.

Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, the government’s secretary, said that the attack’s motive is still not known now. Still, that military and police personnel had been dispatched to secure the area.

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