Six worshippers have been confirmed dead following an attack on a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, after suspected Lakurawa terrorists opened fire during evening prayers.
The Kebbi State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, who described the assault as a reprisal attack linked to an earlier confrontation between troops of the Nigerian Army and suspected members of the Lakurawa group.
According to him, the gunmen stormed the mosque on Wednesday evening while worshippers were observing prayers and shot indiscriminately. Five victims reportedly died from gunshot wounds sustained during the attack, while three others suffered varying degrees of injury and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment. However, during funeral prayers held thereafter, six bodies were presented for burial in line with Islamic rites.
Usman explained that the attack followed a failed ambush on troops attached to the 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Sokoto. He said the chain of events began on February 24 when the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, who also serves as Commander, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj. Gen. Bemgha Koughna, came under attack while on his way to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.
The GOC’s convoy was said to have come under heavy gunfire while navigating forested terrain near Maiyama Hill. Troops reportedly responded with superior firepower, engaged the attackers in a gun battle and neutralised five of them, thereby foiling the ambush.
Security authorities believe Wednesday’s mosque attack was carried out in retaliation for that failed operation. Local sources in the community confirmed that six victims were eventually buried.
The police assured residents that security measures had been reinforced in the area to forestall further attacks, while efforts continue to track down those responsible.
