The Kaduna State Police Command has arrested 12 individuals in connection with the brutal attack on worshippers during the Tahajjud prayers (night prayers) at a mosque in the Layin Bilya area, Makwa Road, Rigasain, Kaduna. The attack, which occurred in the early hours of March 21, left one person dead and raised serious concerns about security during religious gatherings in the state.
The incident took place at approximately 2:00 a.m., when a large group of armed attackers, reportedly from various local areas including Malalin Gabas, Tudun Wada, Rafin Guza, and Unguwar Baduko, stormed the mosque where worshippers had gathered to observe the Tahajjud prayers. Tahajjud is a voluntary night prayer offered by Muslims, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Police Command’s Spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the attack in a statement released to the media on Friday. According to Hassan, the police were alerted to the situation after a distress call from a concerned citizen. The caller reported that armed men were attacking the mosque, and the police immediately launched an operation to capture the suspects.
“The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of officers, and they were joined by the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to the scene to apprehend the suspects,” DSP Hassan said. However, by the time the police arrived, the attackers had already inflicted severe injuries on one of the worshippers, Usman Mohammad, a 23-year-old man.
Mohammad was rushed to the hospital for medical treatment, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries and was later confirmed dead by a doctor. The police, following a quick response to the incident, apprehended 12 suspects, all of whom reportedly confessed to their involvement in the attack. In addition, the police recovered several weapons from the suspects, further evidence of the brutality of the assault.
“The suspects have confessed to their roles in the attack, and we have recovered several weapons from them,” DSP Hassan stated. “The investigation is still ongoing to ensure that justice is served and to uncover the full details surrounding the incident.”
The deadly attack has sent shockwaves through Kaduna and other northern states, where communal violence and insecurity have been recurring issues. Religious institutions, particularly mosques, have frequently been targets of attacks by criminal groups, raising concerns about the safety of worshippers. The Kaduna Police Command has pledged to intensify security measures to protect religious institutions and ensure the safety of residents.
Following the incident, the police have taken immediate steps to increase security around strategic areas, including mosques, where such prayers take place. DSP Hassan urged residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities to help prevent future crimes.
“We have increased our presence around mosques and other vulnerable locations to ensure the safety of worshippers,” he said. “We also encourage residents to report any suspicious movements to the police to help prevent further incidents.”
The attack on the mosque is the latest in a series of violent incidents that have plagued Kaduna State, which has long struggled with issues of criminality and sectarian violence. While security forces have made several arrests in connection with attacks on religious sites, the increasing frequency of these incidents points to a deeper problem of insecurity in the region.
The police spokesperson highlighted that those responsible for criminal activities would face the full weight of the law. “The command is issuing a stern warning to all miscreants that they must desist from such criminal activities. Anyone found guilty will be brought to justice and will face severe consequences,” Hassan warned.
As the investigation into the attack continues, the families and friends of the victims, particularly the family of Usman Mohammad, mourn his tragic death. The police have vowed to ensure that the attackers are prosecuted and that justice is served to the victim’s family.
The residents of Kaduna are also calling for stronger measures to address the growing insecurity in the region. Community leaders, religious figures, and local organizations have urged both the government and security forces to do more to protect citizens from the rising wave of violence and criminality.
The attack on the mosque is a stark reminder of the persistent threats facing worshippers and religious institutions in Nigeria. As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the public is left grappling with questions about the root causes of such violence and the steps needed to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians, particularly during religious observances.
Kaduna State has been one of the most affected by violent conflicts in recent years, with numerous reports of attacks on civilians, especially in rural areas. In addition to the growing concerns about violent extremism, there are fears that these incidents may also be linked to ethnic and religious tensions in the region.
With the increasing number of attacks on worshippers, the need for greater security and protection of religious spaces has never been more urgent. The government, along with law enforcement agencies, will need to take immediate and long-term action to address these threats and ensure that Nigerians can practice their faith without fear.
As the community awaits the outcome of the investigation, many are calling for more transparency and accountability from the police, as well as a commitment to addressing the root causes of violence in the state. The tragic loss of Usman Mohammad has highlighted the vulnerability of worshippers, and for many, this latest attack is a wake-up call to the need for stronger protection of religious freedoms and security across the country.
The Kaduna State Police Command’s ongoing efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice are expected to continue, with a focus on maintaining peace and order in the state.
