Following a failed ambush on an Army General Officer Commanding, GOC, in Kebbi State, suspected Lakurawa terrorists have attacked a mosque in Dadinkowa community, Maiyama Local Government Area, killing six worshippers and injuring three others in the latest assault on fasting Muslims.

According to local sources, the terrorists stormed the mosque on Wednesday evening while worshippers were observing prayers and opened fire indiscriminately.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Kebbi State, Bashir Usman, said the attack was carried out in retaliation for an earlier confrontation with troops of the Nigerian Army.

“The attack was a reprisal by suspected Lakurawa terrorist elements following a failed ambush on troops attached to the 8 Division,” he said.

According to him, the chain of events began on February 24, when the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 8 Division, and Commander, Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgha Koughna, came under attack while travelling to visit frontline troops deployed in the state.

“The GOC’s convoy, while navigating forested terrain near Maiyama Hill, came under heavy gunfire from armed terrorists believed to be members of the Lakurawa group. Troops responded with superior firepower, engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel, and neutralised five of them, thereby foiling the ambush,” Usman said.
He added that five worshippers initially died from gunshot wounds sustained during the mosque attack.

Three others suffered varying degrees of injuries and were evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment.

However, local sources confirmed that six people lost their lives in the attack and were buried in accordance with Islamic rites.