In a distressing incident, a group of bandits carried out a violent assault on a mosque during the early hours of Tuesday. The targeted mosque is situated in Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward, within the Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Tragically, the Imam lost his life, and one worshipper, identified as Kabir, was also killed in the attack. Additionally, two other individuals sustained varying degrees of injuries as a result of the brutal intrusion.
The injured worshipers, Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo, are currently under medical care at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital in Birnin-Gwari.
Community leader Zubair AbduRrauf, who holds the title of Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, conveyed this harrowing incident in a conversation with PUNCH Online. He disclosed that the assault transpired during the early morning prayers at approximately 5 a.m. AbduRrauf further emphasized the incessant attacks by bandits on Birnin-Gwari communities, a situation that has led to the loss of lives and the abduction of residents, particularly farmers.
The region that has been severely impacted, especially concerning security, is the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway. Travelers and other road users have been living in fear due to the rampant criminal activities along this route.
AbduRrauf remarked, “Yes, an Imam of a mosque and two other worshippers were killed. It occurred around 5 am on Tuesday. Two other worshippers are at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari. The attack took place at Ga Allah Babba of Sabon Layi, an agrarian community in the Western part of Birnin-Gwari. These are areas neighboring the Kamuku National Park and the Kuyebana Forest in Zamfara and Niger states.”
The situation in Birnin-Gwari has become extremely precarious, with daily bandit attacks causing widespread distress among the local population. AbduRrauf acknowledged the efforts of security personnel in tackling the attacks but stressed the need for a change in strategy to effectively address the ongoing crisis.
As of now, there has been no official confirmation or statement from either the state government or the state police command regarding this incident. When reached for comment, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan, indicated that he would provide further information once he had the opportunity to do so.
