Nine worshippers killed as gunmen attack mosque in Niger

Nine worshippers were killed on Monday when gunmen invaded a mosque at Mazukaka village in Mashegu LGA of Niger state.

Monday Kuryas, Niger commissioner of police, who confirmed the development, said the worshippers were observing early morning prayers at the mosque when the gunmen stormed the area.

According to NAN, he said seven other worshippers were also abducted from the mosque.

The police commissioner said the incident occurred around 5:30am, and attributed the attack to communal conflict.

The gunmen were also said to have destroyed a property belonging to one Abubakar Maigandus in the village.

Kuryas said one of the attackers was shot dead by security agencies, adding that the incident was described as a reprisal attack following a long-term feud involving the community.

The police commissioner also said security operatives have been deployed to the area to ensure the arrest of the gunmen and other persons disturbing the peace of the community.

He urged residents of the community to assist the security agencies with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators.

“We are battle-ready to confront any form of criminal elements as long as good residents will volunteer credible information on movement of dubious characters in their midst,” he added.