In the early hours of Tuesday, a group of bandits carried out an attack on a mosque located in Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward, within the Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Tragically, the Imam and one worshipper, identified as Kabir, lost their lives in the attack, while two others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The two severely injured worshippers, Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo are currently under medical care at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital in Birnin-Gwari.
Zubair AbduRrauf, a community leader who holds the title of Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, reported to PUNCH Online that this incident unfolded during the early morning prayers at approximately 5 a.m. He further highlighted that bandits frequently target Birnin-Gwari communities, carrying out acts of violence, including abductions and killings, with a particular focus on local farmers.
AbduRrauf also emphasized the increasing concerns along the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway, which has become a nightmarish route for travelers and other road users due to the persistent security challenges.
He said, “Yes, an Imam of a mosque and two other worshippers were killed. It occurred around 5 am on Tuesday. Two other worshippers are at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.
“The attack took place at Ga Allah Babba of Sabon Layi, an agrarian community in the Western part of Birnin-Gwari. These are areas neighboring the Kamuku National Park and the Kuyebana Forest in Zamfara and Niger states.
“We are in a precarious situation in Birnin-Gwari. Even on the Kaduna – Birnin-Gwari highway, people are being escorted by either security personnel or the vigilante. Two days ago, the bandits killed two people coming back from Kaduna.
“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 (security personnel).”
There was no official confirmation from either the state government or the state police command as of the time of filing this report.
When contacted, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, told our correspondent on the telephone that he would revert.
“I am driving and when I stop, I will get back to you,” he said.
