By Sabiu Abdullahi
Amed bandits stormed a mosque during early morning prayers on Tuesday, taking the lives of the mosque’s imam and a worshipper identified as Kabir.
The attack took place at Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward, in the Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Two other worshippers, Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo, sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.
The tragedy was said to have unfolded at approximately 5 a.m. Zubair AbduRrauf, the Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, expressed the community’s anguish, highlighting the escalating violence perpetrated by bandits in the region.
AbduRrauf emphasized that the Birnin-Gwari communities faced daily threats, especially farmers, and the situation had become dire along the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway, making it perilous for travelers and commuters.
“We are in a precarious situation in Birnin-Gwari,” AbduRrauf stated. “The bandits’ attack is on a daily basis. Security personnel are really trying their best to see that the attacks are being curtailed, but we need a change of strategy from them.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, there has been no official confirmation or statement from the state government or the state police command at the time of this report.
The residents, gripped by fear and mourning, are calling for urgent and effective security measures to curb the rising menace of banditry that has plagued their community.
When reached for comment, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, promised to provide further information, indicating the gravity and urgency of the situation that has befallen the Birnin-Gwari community.
