Daredevil bandits attacked a mosque in Funtua Local Government Area of Katsina State Saturday evening, shooting the imam and one other person. They also led 19 worshippers observing evening prayers into the forest.

The incident was first reported by resident witnesses who said that the attackers had injured and shot the chief imam and one other worshipper during prayers. 

Katsina police command confirmed the incident through the spokesman for the state, Gambo Isah, who disclosed that six of the 19 abductees have been rescued. Mr Gambo said victims are now being attended to in the hospital.

“It’s true the attack took place. The terrorists stormed the mosque at Maigamji while people were observing Issaih prayers. They shot and injured the Imam and one other person. Those people are currently responding to treatment in the hospital.

“The terrorists also abducted some worshippers that night, but a combined team of the police and the vigilante rescued two of the victims that night. The security operatives also rescued four other victims on Sunday, making a total of six victims who have been rescued so far,” he said.

Mr Isah added that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims who are still in custody of their abductors, without any injury.

“Presently, 13 victims are still in the custody of the terrorists and our operatives are making serious efforts to ensure that they are rescued without any injury,” he added.