Residents of Maza Kuka village in Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State have been plunged into mourning as some bandits reportedly stormed the community killing, at least, 17 persons in a mosque in an early morning attack.
A total of 18 people were reportedly abducted during the attack on Monday.
It was learnt that the gunmen invaded the community on board motorcycles shooting sporadically into the air while the residents were performing morning prayers.
Sources were quoted as saying that 17 people were dead in the process, leaving residents in shock.
The Maza Kuka and Kulhu communities in Mashegu Local Government Council Area of Niger State border the Kanji Lake Forest where most of the bandits are said to be taking refuge.
Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, confirmed the attack, explaining that 16 people were killed in the mosque while one other was killed at Kaboji village by the gunmen.
He disclosed that the government had drafted a team of military personnel to the forest to fish out the bandits.
The Chairman of Mashegu Local Government Council, Alhassan Isa Maza-Kuka, described the incident as devastating, adding that the attack on the worshippers was uncalled for.
According to Maza-Kuka, one of the injured people in critical condition has been referred to the Minna General Hospital for medical care.
