Many injured as gunmen attack Delta mosque during morning prayers

Gunmen, on Friday morning, attacked a mosque in Ughelli, Delta state, leaving 11 worshippers injured.

NAN quoted a resident as saying the attack took place at about 6:47am when some Muslim faithful were holding their morning prayers at the central mosque, located along Okoroda street in Ughelli.

The witness said many residents were jolted from their sleep by gunshots followed by loud cries from people inside the mosque.

“My name is Larry, I am commercial vehicle driver here in Ughelli. I live very close to the central mosque, so this morning at about 6.45 am we heard shooting at the mosque,” the resident reportedly said.

“Because of fear, many people in my compound were frightened and we remained inside only peeping through our windows.

“As the shooting lasted, we heard loud cries from some worshippers inside the mosque.”

He said after the invaders left, many residents thronged to the mosque to see what happened.

He said the residents helped to evacuate injured worshippers, adding that the survivors suffered severe injuries.

Larry was quoted as saying some of the worshippers told residents that three persons were taken away by the gunmen.

Bright Edafe, Delta police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, saying only 11 worshippers were injured in the attack.

He, however, did not confirm the abduction of three worshippers.

“I just called the DPO at Ughelli and he confirmed to me that 11 persons were injured in the attack at the mosque,” he said.

“However, the police have commenced investigation into the incident and we will update you as we work to unravel the culprits.

“For now, no arrest has been made but I can assure you that we will get those involved.”