Gunmen kill four worshippers in Kebbi mosque

IGP Disu

Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama LGA of Kebbi state, killing four worshippers and injuring five others.

Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, said the attack was reprisal for a foiled military ambush earlier in the week.

The publication said the gunmen stormed the mosque on Wednesday evening, as congregants observed prayers, shooting sporadically.

The assault is believed to be retaliation for an operation by troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA that “neutralised” five suspected Lakurawa members near Mayama Hill during an ambush.

Zagazola said the failed ambush targeted the convoy of Bemgha Koughna, the general officer commanding (GOC) 8 division, during an operational tour in the state.

During the encounter, troops recovered one OJC gun, one PKT gun, two AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, a bandolier of PKT ammunition, several rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, a camel bag containing N840,000, two mobile phones, and five motorcycles.

Security authorities have confirmed ongoing efforts to track down the perpetrators of the attack, assuring the public of intensified operations to restore calm in the area.

The injured victims were reportedly rushed to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

The incident comes amid rising concerns over Lakurawa activities in the north-west.

On February 20, Lakurawa terrorists killed at least 33 residents during a series of attacks on some communities in Arewa LGA of Kebbi.

According to Bashir Usman, Kebbi police spokesperson, the insurgents invaded the communities to rustle cattle but were confronted by the residents. Thecable