By Peter Omopo
No fewer than six worshippers have been killed and three others injured after suspected Lakurawa terrorists attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
The attack occurred on Wednesday evening while residents were observing prayers. The gunmen reportedly stormed the mosque and opened fire indiscriminately, throwing the community into panic.
The Kebbi State Police Public Relations Officer, Bashir Usman, confirmed the incident, describing it as a reprisal assault following a failed ambush on a military convoy.
According to him, the attack was linked to an earlier confrontation between the terrorists and troops of the Nigerian Army under the 8 Division. On February 24, suspected members of the group allegedly attempted to ambush the convoy of the General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, and Commander, Sector 2 of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, who was on his way to visit frontline troops in the state.
Security sources said the convoy came under heavy gunfire near Maiyama Hill, but troops responded with superior firepower, neutralising five of the attackers and successfully foiling the ambush.
Local sources confirmed that six victims died from gunshot wounds sustained during the mosque invasion, while three others suffered varying degrees of injuries and were taken to medical facilities for treatment. The deceased were later buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
In a statement issued earlier in the week and signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division, the military had confirmed the attempted ambush on the GOC’s convoy, noting that the troops repelled the attack.
Security agencies say efforts are ongoing to track down those responsible for the mosque attack and restore calm to the affected community.
