Tragedy struck early Friday morning in Yandoto village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, as bandits stormed a mosque during morning prayers, killing at least five worshippers and abducting several others.
According to residents, the attackers arrived at the mosque while prayers were ongoing and opened fire without warning. The incident has thrown the quiet community into mourning and fear.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen killed five people instantly, while many others sustained gunshot injuries. Some of the wounded have since been taken to nearby medical facilities for treatment and are said to be responding well.
A resident who witnessed the attack but asked not to be named due to security concerns described the assault as “barbaric and inhuman.”
“This is a peaceful community. We were in our homes when we heard gunshots. Before we knew it, people were running from the mosque, shouting for help,” the resident said. “Five people died on the spot, and many others were injured. The attackers also kidnapped some worshippers and escaped into the bush.”
The exact number of those abducted has not been confirmed, as families continue to account for missing persons following the early morning chaos.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report. However, local vigilantes and community leaders are reportedly working with authorities to track the attackers and rescue the abducted victims.
Zamfara State has been one of the hardest-hit regions in Nigeria’s ongoing battle with armed banditry. Attacks on rural communities, including kidnappings, killings, and destruction of property, have become disturbingly frequent.
The latest attack adds to growing fears about safety in places of worship, which are increasingly becoming targets for armed groups operating in the region.
Community members are now calling on the federal and state governments to increase security presence in the area and take urgent steps to prevent further attacks.
“We can’t continue to live like this,” another local said. “People are afraid to go to farms, schools, and even pray in mosques. Government must act fast.”
The identities of the slain worshippers have not been released, but burial arrangements are reportedly underway in line with Islamic rites.
