The Zamfara State Police Command has eleased the identities of five worshippers, including a cleric, who were killed by armed bandits during a dawn attack on a mosque in Yantodon Daji village, Tsafe Local Government Area.
Confirming the incident on Friday, the State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Maikaba, said the attack occurred while worshippers were observing early morning prayers.
“They invaded the mosque and opened fire indiscriminately, killing the Imam and four others. They also abducted three worshippers and fled to an unknown location,” Maikaba said.
According to him, intelligence reports confirmed that the attack was carried out by the gang led by notorious bandits’ kingpin Bakin Malam, who operates around the Makera axis.
The victims were identified as:
- Sale Dangero, 75
- Mamman Yaro, 72
- Malam Lawali Bataribas, 67
- Malam Jafaru, a retired Assistant Superintendent of Police, 68
- Malam Safiyanu, 55
Those abducted were named as Danyaye Alhaji Gambo, Malam Basiru, and Ibrahim Bello.
CP Maikaba suggested the assault was intended to provoke fear and draw public attention.
“We believe the bandits adopted this method to attract nationwide outrage, similar to what happened when a mosque was attacked in Malumfashi, Katsina State,” he stated.
He assured residents that police and other security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
