UPDATE: Over 50 bodies recovered in Katsina mosque attack

The death toll from a deadly bandit attack on Katsina mosque, Unguwan Mantau community in the Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state has risen to over 50, according to survivors who are still searching for missing people in the surrounding bushes.

This number is higher than the 34 deaths officially confirmed by authorities, Daily Trust reported.

Survivors of the attack, which occurred at dawn on Tuesday, recounted their harrowing ordeal, revealing that the bandits, estimated to be around 100 in number, stormed the community while villagers were observing morning prayers.

In a tragic and particularly brutal act, one entire family of 15 was reportedly locked inside their home and burned alive.

The attack is believed to be a reprisal carried out by a notorious bandit kingpin, Mustapha Babaro, whose group operates in parts of Katsina and Zamfara states.

The reprisal followed a successful ambush by community members two days earlier, during which they killed several bandits, rescued victims, and seized weapons.

Residents who spoke with Daily Trust stated that after the initial assault on the mosque, the bandits went through the village, killing and abducting people.

In total, 15 houses were set ablaze, resulting in 10 deaths from the inferno, and over 100 women, children, and elderly people were abducted.

A woman who lost her family in the attack pleaded for help, saying, “My husband and children have been killed. I am alone and confused. The trauma is unbearable. Please help us in the spirit of humanity.”

Survivors expressed frustration with the delayed response from the government, noting that officials only arrived several hours after the attack and addressed them from the main road.

It wa reported that the road leading to the community remains deserted, with no visible security presence.

On Thursday, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, acknowledged the disturbing rise in killings in the region during an appearance on Channels Television.

He stated that the military has intensified operations nationwide to address the ongoing insecurity.

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