Suspected bandits have attacked a mosque in Zamfara state during the congregational Jummah prayer, killing five people and abducting 18 others, including the imam.
Confirming the incident to newsmen over the weekend, the spokesperson of the state police command, Mohammed Shehu, said the incident happened on Friday, November 20.
Mohammed said the bandits, numbering about 100, were said to have arrived in motorcycles and opened fire on the mosque located at Dutsen Gari village in Maru district. They abducted the imam of the mosque and some others. Mohammed said the Imam and a few others later regained their freedom on Saturday, November 21.
The police spokesperson said efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators and secure the release of the other victims.
Zamfara state has recorded several bandit attacks in many of its communities.
