Death Toll Rises to 50 Following Attack on Mosque and Villages in Nigeria's Katsina State

The death toll from a violent attack on a mosque and nearby villages in Katsina state, Nigeria, has reached 50. Gunmen targeted worshippers during morning prayers, reflecting ongoing conflicts in the region.

The death toll from a mosque shooting and attacks on nearby villages in northwestern Nigeria has climbed to 50, according to a local official. Gunmen targeted the mosque in Unguwan Mantau town, Katsina state, during morning prayers on Tuesday, as reported by lawmaker Aminu Ibrahim. "The bandits killed 30 people and burnt 20 others during attacks on several villages," Ibrahim informed the state parliament.

Earlier reports indicated at least 13 fatalities at the mosque. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet. Such incidents are frequent in Nigeria's northwest and north-central areas, where herders and farmers often clash over scarce land and water resources. Last month, an attack in north-central Nigeria resulted in 150 deaths.

Security Measures and Retaliation

On Tuesday, Nasir Muazu, the Katsina state commissioner, stated that the army and police have been deployed to Unguwan Mantau to prevent further violence. He noted that gunmen often hide among farm crops during the rainy season to launch attacks on communities. The mosque attack is believed to be retaliation for a raid by Unguwan Mantau residents over the weekend, where several gunmen were ambushed and killed.

Numerous armed groups exploit the limited security presence in Nigeria's mineral-rich regions, targeting villages and major roads. Farmers accuse herders, mainly of Fulani origin, of grazing livestock on their farms and damaging crops. Herders argue that these lands are designated grazing routes, legally recognised since 1965, five years after Nigeria's independence.

Broader Conflict Context

Apart from this conflict, Nigeria is also dealing with Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast. According to the United Nations, this insurgency has resulted in approximately 35,000 civilian deaths and displaced over 2 million people. The ongoing violence highlights the complex security challenges facing Nigeria.

With inputs from PTI