Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have reportedly carried out a deadly attack on a mosque in Dadinkowa community, located in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, resulting in the deaths of six worshippers and injuries to three others.
Security officials described the assault as a retaliatory measure following a failed ambush on a military convoy.
The assailants reportedly stormed the mosque on Wednesday evening while worshippers were engaged in prayers, opening fire without discrimination.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for Kebbi State, Bashir Usman, said the attack was in response to an earlier clash involving troops of the Nigerian Army.
“The attack was a reprisal by suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements following a failed ambush on troops attached to the 8 Division,” Usman stated.
He explained that the chain of events began on February 24, when the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division, and Commander, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Bemgha Koughna, came under attack while traveling to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.
“The GOC’s convoy, while navigating forested terrain near Mayama Hill, came under heavy gunfire from armed terrorists believed to be members of the Lakurawa group. Troops responded with superior firepower, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel and neutralised five of them, thereby foiling the ambush,” Usman added.
He further noted that five worshippers sustained fatal gunshot wounds during the mosque assault, while three others suffered injuries of varying degrees and were taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment.
Local sources confirmed that six people ultimately lost their lives and were buried according to Islamic rites following funeral prayers.
