Suspected Lakurawa terrorists have attacked a mosque in the Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State, killing six worshippers and injuring three others in what security authorities described as a reprisal attack following a failed ambush on a military convoy.

The gunmen stormed the mosque on Wednesday evening while worshippers were observing prayers and opened fire indiscriminately.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kebbi State, Bashir Usman, said the attack was carried out in retaliation for an earlier confrontation with 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,” he said.

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According to him, 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 travelling 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 said.

He added that five worshippers died from gunshot wounds sustained during the mosque attack, while three others suffered varying degrees of injuries and were evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

However, during the funeral prayers, six victims were brought out for burial.

Local sources confirmed that six people lost their lives in the attack and were buried in accordance with Islamic rites.

Gov Condemns Incident

Meanwhile, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has condemned the attack on worshippers at a mosque in the Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area.

The governor, who visited the community on Thursday to commiserate with residents, said the state government is strengthening security measures across Kebbi State.

He urged citizens to remain vigilant and to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Governor Idris expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as barbaric, heartbreaking, and a painful loss not only to the affected families but also to the entire state.

He extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, community leaders, and residents, assuring them that the government stands with them at this moment of grief.

The governor further disclosed that security agencies have been directed to intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for Almighty Allah to grant their families the strength to bear the irreparable loss.