A peaceful gathering for Jumu’at prayers took a horrifying turn in northern Nigeria on Friday, March 9, 2024, when a group of bandits launched a violent attack on a mosque. Early reports suggest at least two fatalities, with the possibility of more casualties.
Details surrounding the incident are still emerging, but according to a statement released by the spokesman for the Police Command, gunmen stormed the Anguwar Makera mosque in the Kwasakwasa community of Birnin Gwari LGA during the ongoing Jumu’at prayers.
While the exact motive behind the attack remains unclear, this kind of brazen assault on a place of worship has sparked outrage and fear throughout the region. Similar attacks on religious gatherings have been reported in the past, as documented by Human Rights Watch: https://www.hrw.org/, raising concerns about a growing trend of violence targeting religious communities.
News outlets like the dailies report that the gunmen opened fire on worshippers during prayers, creating a scene of chaos and panic. While some worshippers managed to escape unharmed, others were not as fortunate.
Local sources inform that at least two worshippers were confirmed dead, with a possibility of additional casualties among those who sustained injuries during the attack. The injured are currently receiving medical treatment at nearby hospitals, and their conditions are being monitored.
The police have cordoned off the area and launched a manhunt to apprehend the perpetrators. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the attackers to come forward.
This latest attack on a mosque has heightened anxieties within religious communities already grappling with a climate of violence. Religious leaders have called for calm and urged authorities to take swift action to ensure the safety of worshippers and bring those responsible to justice.
The attack is a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced in certain regions of Nigeria. It underscores the urgent need for effective measures to address banditry and terrorism, while also protecting the right of citizens to practice their faith peacefully.
As the investigation progresses, this story will be updated to include any new developments or details that emerge.