Armed bandits abduct 19 Muslim worshippers in Nigeria mosque attack
Gunmen stormed a mosque in Nigeria’s restive northwestern State of Katsina on Saturday and abducted 19 Muslim worshippers while they were offering evening prayers, reports said.
According to Press TV, local police officials said on Sunday the incident took place in Maigamji village when armed bandits abducted 19 of the 44 Muslim worshippers inside their mosque after shooting and wounding the prayer leader and one of the worshippers.
"The terrorists stormed the Mosque at Maigamji while the people were offering evening prayers. They shot and injured the imam and one other person. Those people are currently treating in a hospital," according to Punch newspaper, citing Police Spokesman Gambo Isah.
“The terrorists also abducted some worshippers that night, but a combined team of the police and vigilantes rescued two of the victims that night. Security operatives also rescued four other victims on Sunday, making a total of six victims who were rescued,” Isah added.
He further said that efforts are underway to free the remaining 13 people, while two wounded worshippers are being treated at a hospital.
Northwest and central Nigeria have reported a spate of terrorist attacks in recent years by criminal gangs locally known as bandits, who raid villages stealing properties, kidnap for ransom and burn homes after looting supplies.
The gangs also demand villagers pay protection fees to be allowed to farm and harvest their crops.
Hostages are usually released after a ransom is paid to the gangs.
ME
