Bandits Attack Zamfara Mosque, Kill 13

An attack by bandits on a mosque in Ruwan Jema community, Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State, during Juma’at service on Friday has resulted in 13 deaths.

This comes three weeks after bandits attacked a mosque in Zugu community, Gummi Local Government Area of the state and abducted some worshippers.

Speaking on the latest attack, a resident and an eyewitness, Usman Lawal, told a newspaper that the attack caused a stampede in the mosque.

Lawal said, “When they laid siege, the armed criminals stormed the mosque when the worshippers were observing Juma’at prayer. We were observing the last Rakaat when suddenly they started firing. Pandemonium broke out as every one was running for dear life.

“They opened fire on the worshippers, killing at least 13 people on the spot. Dozens of others were also injured in a stampede. The armed criminals also killed a number of residents they found in the surrounding bushes.

“The remains of the residents are being picked from the farms and their funeral prayer was slated for evening today. Bodies are still being picked from forest. Some of the injured victims are responding to treatments in medical facilities in Zamfara and neighbouring Sokoto state”, he added.

Official reports from the police are yet to be made .