No fewer than 18 Muslim worshippers were reportedly killed by gunmen who invaded a mosque at Maza-Kuka in the Mashegu Local Government Council of Niger State in the early hours of Monday.
According to sources from the community, the armed men who stormed the community went straight to the mosque while the victims were performing their morning prayers (Subhi).
Further findings also show that the attackers shot victims at closed range inside the mosque leading to the death of scores leaving many others injured.
It was gathered that the armed men came on motorbikes to carry out the attack on the villagers.
An indigene of the community who craved anonymity said, “We are surprised, confused and shocked over the attack.”
He added that they could not ascertain the actual casualties because many people had run into the bush for safety. He noted that about 18 corpses were discovered as of the time of filing this report.
He confirmed that the local government chairman and his team were already in the community to sympathise and commensurate with the people.
The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, could not be reached as of the time of filing the report as his phone line was not going through.
