Bandits kill cleric and abduct worshippers in Kaduna
Armed bandits have attacked a mosque in Kaduna State, killing a cleric and abducting at least twenty worshippers during evening prayers. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday in Doka village, Kajuru Local Government Area, has once again highlighted the worsening insecurity in the North-West region of Nigeria.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers stormed the mosque while the worshippers were observing prayers, shooting sporadically and causing panic across the community. The cleric, identified as Mallam Isah Sani, was said to have tried to calm the congregation when he was shot dead by the gunmen. The bandits then rounded up several people and whisked them away into a nearby forest.
Residents described the attack as one of the most terrifying in recent months, saying the assailants arrived on motorcycles and operated freely for more than thirty minutes without any security intervention. Many families have been left in shock, while local vigilante groups have begun searching for the victims.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that security operatives have been deployed to the area to track down the attackers and rescue the abducted worshippers. Police spokesperson ASP Mansir Hassan said efforts were ongoing in collaboration with the military and local hunters to ensure the safe return of the victims.
Governor Uba Sani has condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and unacceptable. He assured that his administration remains committed to tackling banditry and restoring peace in affected communities across the state.
