The Zamfara State Police Commissioner, CP Ibrahim Maikaba, has disclosed the identities of the Imam and worshippers tragically killed during a brutal attack at a mosque on Friday morning. The incident occurred in Yantodon Daji village, Tsafe Local Government Area, highlighting a growing trend of targeted violence in places of worship.
According to CP Maikaba, the bandits deliberately target religious sites to attract public attention and instill widespread fear. "These attackers adopt this method after observing public outrage over previous assaults, such as the mosque attack in Malumfashi, Katsina State," he explained. The assailants opened fire on worshippers during morning prayers, resulting in multiple fatalities.
The police identified the victims as Sale Dangero, 75, Mamman Yaro, 72, Malam Lawali Bataribas, 67, retired ASP Malam Jafaru, 68, and Malam Safiyanu, 55. Three worshippers—Danyaye Alh Gambo, Malam Basiru, and Ibrahim Bello—were abducted and taken to an unknown location. Further investigations traced the attack to the notorious bandit leader Bakin Malam and his loyalists in the Makera axis.
This violent incident comes shortly after a similar attack in Gidan Turbe village within the same local government, where approximately 40 worshippers were abducted during early morning prayers. Such repeated assaults underscore the persistent vulnerability of communities in Zamfara State and the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
In July, a massacre in Banga village claimed the lives of 35 kidnapped individuals after families failed to pay a ransom of N35 million. Earlier in March, six operatives of the state community protection guards, known as Askarawa, alongside four local vigilantes, were ambushed and killed shortly after a joint security operation in Sunke Forest.
These recurring tragedies reflect the deteriorating security situation in Zamfara State. Residents continue to live under constant threat, while authorities face mounting pressure to curb the wave of banditry and protect vulnerable communities across northern Nigeria.Source: