Bandits have inflicted a tragic toll upon the peaceful community of Saya-Saya village in Kaduna State, claiming the lives of seven worshippers within a local mosque.

Among the victims, five were mercilessly killed within the mosque itself, while the remaining two met their unfortunate fate in different locations within the vicinity.

The harrowing incident unfolded at approximately 8 pm on a somber Friday evening, as the villagers gathered to perform their Isha’i (Sunset) prayers at their humble local mosque, as recounted by a reliable local source. Amidst the sacred prayers, terror struck.

Tragically, two other villagers found themselves victims of this brutal attack, sustaining gunshot wounds. They were promptly rushed to the hospital, their lives hanging in the balance.

Malam Abdulrahman Yusuf, the esteemed village head of the area, has confirmed this horrifying incident. He revealed that, heartbreakingly, the head of the village’s vigilante group was among the victims who lost their lives within the sanctuary of the mosque. The community now mourns the loss of these innocent lives and grapples with the unsettling aftermath of this heinous act.

According to the village head, “We suspected they traced him (vigilante boss) to the mosque to attack him. We were inside the mosque praying when they arrived and started shooting. Five persons were killed at the mosque, while a driver who brought food items to the village was also killed. The other person was killed at a nearby village.” 

He reported that security forces, including both soldiers and police officers from Ikara town and Palgore area, reached the scene at approximately 12:30 am. Unfortunately, by the time these security agents arrived, the bandits had already fled the village.

Additionally, he mentioned that one of the victims, who had suffered gunshot wounds, was promptly taken to Aminu Kano Hospital for medical treatment.

Mansir Alhassan, the Acting Public Relations Officer of the State Police Command, has confirmed this distressing incident. He further assured that security personnel had been deployed to the nearby bushes, with the primary objective of apprehending the culprits and restoring peace and security to the area.