Tragedy struck in Yandoton Daji village, located within the Tsafe local government area of Zamfara State, where armed assailants launched a violent assault on a mosque, resulting in the deaths of at least five worshippers, including the Imam, and leaving numerous others wounded.
The attack occurred during the early morning prayers, as the congregation gathered for their devotional rites.
Eyewitnesses reported that several individuals were also abducted amid the chaos.
One local resident, who identified himself as Inuwa Falke, explained that the bandits exploited the cover of heavy rainfall to infiltrate the village undetected.
“The bandits’ approach went unnoticed until gunfire erupted. I was fortunate not to attend the prayer session due to the rain; otherwise, I might have been among those harmed,” he recounted.
Upon breaching the mosque, the attackers indiscriminately opened fire, instantly killing five people and inflicting gunshot injuries on many others.
Another community member, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, revealed that the kidnappers seized an unknown number of worshippers before retreating into the nearby forested areas.
He condemned the act as “cruel and merciless,” adding that some of the injured are currently receiving medical care and showing signs of recovery.
This violent episode follows closely on the heels of a similar incident in Gidan Turbe village, also within Tsafe LGA, where approximately 40 worshippers were abducted during predawn prayers.
In that case, the attackers encircled the mosque, captured the victims, and led them into the forest, reportedly heading toward the Gohori region, a known sanctuary for bandits.
In a separate calamity, over 100 illegal gold miners are feared dead after a mining pit collapsed in Kadauri village, Maru local government area of Zamfara State.
According to sources, the pit gave way on Thursday, trapping numerous miners underground. Rescue attempts have been perilous, with some rescuers reportedly suffocating during the operation.
To date, eight bodies have been recovered, all identified as residents of Mekwanugga village, and have been returned to their community for funeral rites.
DSP Yazid Abubakar, the Police Public Relations Officer for Zamfara State, confirmed the mining pit collapse but noted that the exact death toll remains uncertain as rescue efforts continue.
“As of this morning, additional bodies have been retrieved from the site,” he stated.
Regarding the mosque attack, the police spokesperson indicated that no official report had yet been received from the Tsafe Divisional Police Officers.
