"Family of 15 Wiped Out": Woes After Bandits’ Deadly Attack on Mosque in Top Northern State
- Survivors of a bandit attack in Gidan Mantau, Katsina, reported over 50 bodies recovered, with many more missing
- Residents said one family of 15 was burnt alive, 15 houses were destroyed, and over 100 women, children, and the elderly were abducted during the raid
- Security experts and the Defense Chief warned that half-hazard peace deals are ineffective, stressed stricter laws, faster terrorism trials, and ongoing military efforts to restore peace
Survivors of Tuesday’s deadly attack by bandits on Gidan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area, Katsina state, described their ordeal, saying over 50 bodies had been recovered, with many more still missing in the bushes.
They appealed to both the federal and state governments to intervene and protect them from further attacks.
Source: Getty Images
A reporter who visited the area noted that the community remained under siege, with the road leading to the village deserted and no security personnel in sight to prevent further assaults.
Family of 15 wiped out in attack
According to residents, one house was entirely destroyed, with all 15 family members inside reportedly locked up and burnt alive.
“The entire family here, numbering about 15, was locked up and burnt alive. I am speechless. I don’t know where to start. For years, we have been rendered poor by banditry,” a survivor said.
A woman who lost her husband and children in the attack said,
“I am alone and confused. The trauma is unbearable. Please help us. Tell the government we are dying; we are being killed for an offence we know nothing about.”
Mass abductions and property destruction
Reports indicate that 15 houses were set ablaze, ten people were killed in the inferno, and over 100 women, children, the elderly, and pregnant women were abducted.
“We have been crying for help, but nothing has been done. Both the state and federal governments must sit up. Since the attack, you are the first people to visit us,” another resident lamented.
Concerns over peace deals and banditry
Major Bashir Galma (rtd), a security expert, said half-hazard peace deals in some areas were counterproductive, as criminals often move to other regions or renegade factions continue attacks.
“If political leaders are not committed to ending this menace, the North will continue to bleed,” he warned.
Military intensifies operations but killings persist
Source: Twitter
Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed concern over renewed violence in Katsina and the North West despite intensified military operations.
“These are evil and deranged individuals who do not respect religion or borders. If you are not with them, then you are an enemy,” Musa said.
He disclosed that key commanders and over 200 terror suspects had been arrested, highlighting the synergy between intelligence and military operations.
Musa urged citizens not to shield bandits and emphasised that terrorism and banditry are increasingly intertwined with political interests.
Call for stricter laws and faster trials
The Defense Chief stressed that Nigeria needs stricter laws and special courts for terrorism cases, warning that foreign conflicts in Libya, Sudan, and the Sahel have worsened the proliferation of weapons in Nigeria.
“We should never allow any foreigner an inch of our land. These groups exploit our hospitality but have no good intentions,” he added.
Musa concluded by urging Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of troops, assuring that the military will continue until peace and stability are fully restored.
Bandits launch attack on Sokoto mosque
Previously, Legit.ng reported that armed bandits stormed a mosque in Marnona village, Wurno Local Government Area of Sokoto state during early morning prayers on Tuesday. Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire on worshippers, killing one person and injuring several others.
The violent raid caused panic as residents fled for safety in the already tense Sokoto East region.
Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
