Five people were killed during early morning prayers in Yandoto village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in an attack that has again raised fear and anger across the northwest. The victims were worshippers at a local mosque when gunmen struck.
Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani‑Kayode labelled the attackers “terrorists” and said they should be wiped out. In a post on X, Fani‑Kayode said the killings were “an act of war” and called for no negotiations, no ransom payments and no rehabilitation for the perpetrators or their communities. “These are not bandits… They are bloodthirsty killers and terrorists and every single one of them should be wiped off the face of the earth,” he wrote.
Fani‑Kayode’s post reflects the deep anger felt by many Nigerians whenever attacks target places of worship. His words are blunt and call for an all‑out security response. He insisted on a military‑style approach — “Kill every single one of them, wipe out their blood line and decimate their communities and abodes,” he wrote — a view that will raise debate about the rule of law and human rights even as many demand swift action.
No official statement from the Zamfara State government or the military had been published at the time of filing. Security sources say investigations usually follow such attacks, with bodies of evidence used to track and arrest suspects. It is not yet clear whether the attackers were local bandits, marauding gangs, or a more organised terrorist cell — a distinction that authorities and some public figures are stressing.
Zamfara has been a flashpoint for violence for years. The state and neighbouring areas have seen mass kidnappings, village raids, and clashes between armed groups and security forces. Local residents say many of the attacks come during early hours when people are most vulnerable. The line between “bandits” and “terrorists” has grown blurred in public debate, with some officials using the terms interchangeably and others insisting the difference matters for how the state responds.
Fani‑Kayode is a senior and outspoken former minister whose comments attract wide attention. His call for a lethal response is likely to add pressure on federal and state authorities to show quick results. At the same time, many Nigerians are expected to call for calm and for measured steps that respect the constitution.
The killing of worshippers at Yandoto mosque is a grim reminder of the insecurity that still affects parts of the country. Families of the dead now face grief and fear, while neighbours worry about more attacks. With no clear claim of responsibility yet, the immediate demands are for protection, a full investigation and justice for the victims.
As the nation watches, the challenge for security agencies is to stop more bloodshed while keeping to the law — a balance that often proves hard in these tense, painful moments.
