Gunmen launched a deadly assault in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi district of Nigeria’s northwestern Katsina state during dawn prayers on Tuesday, leaving at least 50 people dead and about 60 others kidnapped, according to residents and local officials.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the attackers rode in on motorcycles, opened fire inside the mosque as worshippers gathered for Fajr, then rampaged through the village, burning homes and seizing residents.
Local legislator Aminu Ibrahim reported that 30 victims were shot while 20 others were burned alive in a wave of violence that tore through the community.
Katsina police spokesman Abubakar Sadiq Aliyu confirmed that security forces intercepted the armed men and prevented planned assaults on two additional villages. However, the gunmen opened fire on villagers as they retreated through Mantau, torching several houses before being confronted by officers, he added.
