Armed bandits targeted worshippers during morning prayers at a mosque in Kiba Ruwa, located in the Sabon Government Area of Sokoto State.
Eyewitnesses told local media that the attackers stormed the mosque at daybreak and opened fire on the congregation.
Two individuals, including the imam leading the prayer, were confirmed killed.
A yet-undisclosed number of worshippers were abducted during the attack. Local security agencies have been notified, and search operations are underway amid rising anxiety among residents.
This incident follows a similar attack weeks earlier in neighboring Kebbi State, where bandits raided the Government Girls’ Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu LGA, kidnapping 26 students.
All military personnel previously stationed at the school have been called to Abuja for questioning regarding the unexplained withdrawal of security forces just before the assault.
Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris had earlier sudden removal of troops from the school premises despite prior intelligence reports warning of a potential attack.
In a statement, the governor revealed that a security meeting was convened upon receiving the intelligence, and assurances were given that reinforcements would be deployed.
“The military was deployed, but they withdrew by 3:00 AM. By 3:45 AM, the attack occurred,” Idris stated, demanding a full investigation into who authorized the withdrawal.
Muhammad Dantani, Maga District Head the role of the military in the incident, which resulted in the death of one staff member and the abduction of 25 students.
