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Photo of katsina Mosque Attack |
Survivors of the Katsina mosque attack recount their ordeal as over 50 bodies are recovered. Rising insecurity in Nigeria sparks urgent calls for government action.
The Katsina mosque attack in Gidan Mantau, Malumfashi Local Government Area, has left Nigeria in mourning. Survivors revealed that more than 50 bodies have been recovered, while families continue searching the bushes for missing loved ones.
This massacre underscores the escalating insecurity in Katsina and across the North West, raising urgent questions about government response and community safety.
Survivors’ Accounts of the Katsina Mosque Attack
For nearly three days after the attack, the community was inaccessible to government officials due to heavy bandit presence. Survivors described the horrifying scene:
- Bandits numbering over 100 stormed the mosque at dawn during morning prayers.
- Entire families were wiped out, including a household of 15 people burnt alive.
- Over 100 women, children, and elderly villagers were abducted.
- At least 15 houses were set ablaze, leaving many homeless.
One grieving woman, who lost her husband and children, cried out for help, saying, “We are being killed for no offence. Please help us in the spirit of humanity.”
Rising Death Toll and Fear of Abandonment
While officials initially confirmed 34 deaths, villagers insist that 55 bodies have now been recovered. Many residents feel abandoned, claiming that despite reporting the bandits’ presence, no immediate action was taken.
Residents lamented that the government’s slow response has left them vulnerable. As one survivor said, “We feel like we are not human beings. We have been abandoned.”
Renewed Violence Across Katsina and the North West
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, acknowledged the disturbing rise in violence despite intensified military operations. Speaking on Channels Television, he described the attackers as “evil and deranged individuals who respect neither religion nor borders.”
Musa revealed that:
- Over 200 terror suspects, including key commanders, have been arrested.
- Military intelligence and operations are becoming more effective.
- Citizens must play their part by refusing to shield terrorists and collaborators.
The CDS also admitted that terrorism financing—both local and international—remains a critical challenge.
The Role of Bandits and Peace Deals
Security analysts have expressed concern about the effectiveness of peace deals with bandits. According to Major Bashir Galma (rtd):
- Local peace agreements without coordination across states are counterproductive.
- Bandits often exploit peace deals to regroup and resume attacks.
- Families of victims see peace talks as injustice without accountability.
This highlights the need for sustainable security solutions rather than fragmented agreements.
For global insights into conflict resolution, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has emphasized the dangers of negotiating with armed groups without accountability measures.
Security, Politics, and the Legal System
General Musa also linked the spike in killings to political manipulation ahead of elections. He argued that:
- Insecurity is sometimes exploited to discredit governments.
- The legal system frustrates military efforts, with arrested suspects often released on technical grounds.
- Nigeria needs special courts to handle terrorism cases swiftly and deter impunity.
The Katsina mosque attack is a grim reminder of the human cost of insecurity in Nigeria. With over 50 lives lost and scores abducted, survivors are pleading for urgent government intervention and lasting peace.
General Musa’s remarks underline that while the military is making progress, political will, legal reforms, and community cooperation are critical to ending this cycle of violence.
Until then, communities like Gidan Mantau remain under siege, with families mourning loved ones while praying for justice and protection.
