Five worshippers tragically lost their lives in a bandit attack on a mosque in Yantodo village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. during dawn prayers when gunmen stormed the mosque and opened fire on the congregation. While some worshippers managed to escape with injuries, others were not as fortunate.
The victims were laid to rest on Friday afternoon amid tears and anger. The funeral drew a large crowd of mourners who described the victims as devout Muslims known for their steadfast attendance at prayers. Grief at the burial soon gave way to fury, with relatives and sympathisers directing their anger at government officials.
Many cursed those behind peace deals with bandits in northwestern states, dismissing the agreements as a “ruse” that empowered criminals while leaving ordinary people in greater peril. They further accused some government insiders of masterminding such deals, rather than pursuing decisive military action or judicial measures against the attackers.
Earlier on Friday, Dalena Reporters reported the deadly attack on the mosque during early morning prayers. A local source confirmed the attack to Dalena Reporters from Gusau, the state capital. According to the source, the bandits, armed with automatic weapons, stormed the mosque and opened fire on the congregation.
In a related incident, at least 50 worshippers were killed and several were wounded when armed bandits stormed a mosque in Katsina State during morning prayers in August.