In a shocking and brazen attack, bandits stormed Dan Ali ward in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State on Friday, disrupting the weekly Jumat prayers. The attackers, heavily armed, invaded a mosque where worshippers had gathered for prayers and began shooting indiscriminately, forcing everyone to flee for their lives.
According to eyewitness accounts, the chaos erupted suddenly during the prayers. "We were at the Jummat prayer when we heard the shooting, and everybody ran. We couldn’t continue with our prayers. Thanks to the Security Watch Corps in the area that gave them a hot chase," one resident shared, clearly shaken by the event.
The situation in Danmusa LGA has been deteriorating over the past week, with bandits terrorizing local communities. They have prevented farmers from accessing their farmlands in Dan Ali and neighboring areas like Gwarjo, Dangane, Tudun, Tasha Kadanya, and Tasha Biri. Many farmers have been kidnapped, leaving the people paralyzed with fear and unable to continue their agricultural activities.
We need security reinforcement because the bandits are giving us a tough time in our communities,another source lamented. Residents are pleading for increased security, fearing for their safety and livelihoods as the bandits continue to hold them hostage in their own lands.
Despite efforts from the local Security Watch Corps, the threat remains. Calls for more robust government intervention have grown louder. When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, promised to provide updates, but none were available at the time of reporting.
This latest incident highlights the ongoing insecurity in parts of Katsina, a region plagued by frequent bandit attacks. The people of Danmusa and surrounding areas now live in constant fear, praying for a resolution to the violence that disrupts their lives.