5 worshippers killed as gunmen attack mosque

Gunmen opened fire on worshippers during dawn prayers at a mosque in Yandoto village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, leaving at least five people dead and several others injured.

The assault, which occurred on Friday morning, has thrown the community into mourning.

Eyewitnesses said the armed men stormed the mosque and began shooting indiscriminately, killing five worshippers instantly while many sustained gunshot wounds.

A resident, who asked not to be named for security reasons, revealed that the attackers also whisked away an unspecified number of people before retreating into the surrounding forest.

Describing the incident as “barbaric and inhuman,” the source added that some of the injured are currently receiving treatment and are said to be in stable condition.

When reached for comment, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said he was yet to receive a report from the Divisional Police Officer responsible for the area.

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The attack comes just days after a similar incident in Gidan Turbe, also in Tsafe LGA, where about 40 worshippers were abducted during morning prayers.

In another tragic development, more than 100 people are feared dead after a gold mine collapsed in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area.

Sources said the mine caved in on Thursday, trapping numerous miners underground. Rescue efforts reportedly led to additional deaths, as some of those who attempted to save the victims suffocated in the process.

So far, eight bodies have been recovered, all identified as residents of Mekwanugga village. The deceased have since been taken back to their community for burial.

(DAILY TRUST)