In a gruesome incident that occurred in Saya-Saya Village, located in Kaduna State’s Ikara Local Government Area, a group of bandits attacked a mosque during the Isha’i (Sunset) prayers, resulting in the tragic deaths of seven worshippers.

The assailants struck on Friday night while the Muslim worshippers were engaged in their evening prayers.

During the attack, five worshippers, including a vigilante leader, were mercilessly shot and killed inside the mosque while they were in the midst of their prayers.

The bandits also claimed the lives of two other victims in different parts of the village during the same violent spree.

Abdulrahaman Yusuf, the head of the community, confirmed this horrifying incident.

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He disclosed that the vigilante leader had been specifically targeted by the bandits and was trailed to the mosque, where the assailants opened fire, causing multiple fatalities.

Yusuf explained, “We suspected they traced the vigilante leader to the mosque to attack him. We were inside the mosque praying when they arrived and started shooting.

Five persons were killed in the mosque, while a driver who brought food items to the village was also killed. The other person was killed at a nearby village.”

Security has been heightened in the Ikara area following this brutal attack, with authorities taking measures to investigate and apprehend the criminals responsible.

Kaduna State Police Department’s acting Public Relations Officer, Mansir Alhassan, expressed concern over the incident, indicating that earlier in the day, villagers had noticed the presence of the bandits but failed to promptly alert the police.