There was unrest at the Sabon Layi, Kakangi ward in Birnin-Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State, as some yet-to-be identified gunmen invaded a mosque on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
The incident which happened in the early hours of the day, left no less than two people with serious injuries.
It was gathered that the invaders killed the mosque’s Imam, and a worshiper identified as Kabir. Those injured, named Bilya Mairabo and Ashiru Mairabo, are now receiving medical attention at the Jibrin Maigwari General Hospital, Birnin-Gwari.
According to a community leader, Zubair AbduRrauf, who holds the title of Danmasanin of Birnin-Gwari, this is not the first attack by the bandits.
AbduRauf said the bandits attacked Birnin-Gwari communities almost daily, killing and abducting residents, especially farmers, adding that the situation was more worrisome on the Birnin-Gwari-Kaduna highway and has become a nightmare for travellers and other road users.
His words, “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 neighbouring the Kamuku National Park and the Kuyebana Forest in Zamfara and Niger states.
“We are in a precarious situation in Birnin-Gwari. Even on the Kaduna – Birnin-Gwari highway, people are being escorted by either security personnel or the vigilante. Two days ago, the bandits killed two people coming back from Kaduna.
“The bandits’ attack is on a daily basis. Security personnel are really trying their best to see that the attacks are being curtailed but we need a change of strategy from them (security personnel).”
When contacted, Kaduna State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan promised to revert on the request to confirm this incident.
He is, however, yet to do so at the time of filing this report.