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50 bodies recovered after Katsina mosque attack, search continues
50 bodies recovered after Katsina mosque attack, search continues
Survivors of Tuesday’s deadly attack by bandits on Gidan Mantau community in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State have narrated their ordeal, saying after recovering over 50 bodies, they are still searching for more people in the bushes.
They, therefore, called on both the federal and Katsina State government to intervene to save them from further assaults.
For nearly three days, only skeletal information on the level of carnage was coming from the hard-to-reach Gidan Mantau, which had been infested by bandits and therefore inaccessible for government officials and rescue workers.
One of our reporters who managed to visit the village and surrounding communities, yesterday, reported that the people were under siege.
He said the road leading to the community was completely deserted as there were no security operatives on sight to repel further attack.
Survivors said it took several hours before officials of the Katsina State Government visited the area, and that they stopped by the main road to address the distraught locals and community leaders.
It was learnt that many families who did not see their loved ones among the dead are now combing the bushes with the support of acquaintances.
They said the death toll has climbed to 55, well above the 34 officially confirmed by authorities.
The villagers recalled that just a year ago, over 20 people were killed by bandits in a similar incident.
This comes as the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, yesterday expressed concern over renewed violence in Katsina and other parts of the North West.
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Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television, General Musa said the military has intensified operations nationwide, but admitted that killings in the region, including the recent massacre of worshippers in Malumfashi, remain disturbing.
Daily Trust gathered that the terror group believed to have carried out this latest carnage is under the leadership of a notorious bandits’ kingpin, Mustapha Babaro, who is said to be carrying out his operations in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State and parts of Zamfara State.
It was gathered that after the attack on the mosque, the bandits went round the village, killing and abducting people.
The affected families who spoke to our reporters yesterday could not hold back tears as they recounted their ordeal during the dawn raid.
They said the attackers, who they estimated to be about 100, stormed the community at dawn while villagers were observing morning prayers.
Family of 15 wiped out
According to residents, in one house, an entire family of 15 was wiped out.
“The entire family here, numbering about 15, was locked up and burnt alive. I am speechless. I don’t know where to start. I’ve been left alone. For years, we have been rendered poor by banditry. They attack us every year,” he said.
A woman who lost her family in the attack, said, “My husband and children have been killed. I am alone and confused. The trauma is unbearable. What have we done to deserve this? Please help us in the spirit of humanity. Tell the government we are dying; we are being killed for an offence we know nothing about.”
In total, 15 houses were set ablaze, ten people killed in the inferno, while over 100 women, children, the elderly, and even pregnant women were abducted.
“We have been crying for help, but nothing has been done. We reported the sighting of bandits early in the morning of that day, yet until the next day, no action was taken. Both the state and federal governments must sit up. Since the attack, you (Trust TV correspondents) are the first people to visit us. Please forward our complaints to the authorities.
“Generally speaking, we feel like we are not human beings. We have been abandoned. We lost everything, our loved ones were killed and others were abducted. Kindly tell the government to rescue us from the bandits,” a resident lamented.
For many people in Unguwar Mantau, life has become unbearable. They said they feel abandoned and forgotten and urged the government to rescue them and their loved ones from captivity and provide security.
There have been increased attacks in recent weeks, especially in the southern part of Katsina State, while some LGAs in the central part are enjoying relative peace courtesy of forced peace deals they entered into with the bandits.
50 bodies recovered after Katsina mosque attack, search continues
Daily Trust
metro
Tinubu Rewards Qur’anic Champion Maryam Dan’Azumi With N20m
Tinubu Rewards Qur’anic Champion Maryam Dan’Azumi With N20m
Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has rewarded 19-year-old Gombe State Qur’anic scholar Maryam Ibrahim Dan’Azumi with N20 million following her outstanding performance at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Qur’anic Competition in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Oluremi Tinubu presented the cash award to Maryam at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday after the young Qur’anic scholar was formally presented to her by Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
The governor was accompanied by Maryam’s father, teachers and other members of the Gombe State delegation during the visit.
In addition to the N20 million reward, the First Lady expressed her willingness to support Maryam in pursuing a master’s degree, encouraging the young scholar to continue her academic development alongside her Qur’anic studies.
Tinubu described Maryam’s achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria and an example of what young Nigerians, particularly girls, can accomplish through dedication, discipline and education.
Maryam attracted international attention in August after emerging winner of the second category of the women’s division at the prestigious King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition in Saudi Arabia.
She scored 97.70 marks to take first position in a category that required participants to demonstrate mastery of the entire Holy Qur’an, together with excellence in recitation and interpretation of Qur’anic vocabulary.
The 46th edition of the international competition reportedly attracted 334 contestants from 133 countries, with participants competing across various categories covering Qur’anic memorisation, recitation and interpretation.
Maryam’s victory also earned her a prize of 300,000 Saudi Riyals, widely reported at about N120 million, making the N20 million presented by the First Lady a separate recognition of her achievement.
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Receiving Maryam at the State House, Oluremi Tinubu praised the teenager’s commitment to Qur’anic scholarship and her determination to excel in both religious and formal education.
She also acknowledged the contribution of Maryam’s parents, teachers and mentors, noting that sustained support from families and educators remains important in nurturing young talents.
The First Lady encouraged Maryam to remain committed to her education and to embrace mentorship as she progresses in her academic and personal development.
Maryam’s international success is also part of a remarkable family record in Qur’anic competitions.
Her elder sister, Hajara Ibrahim Dan’Azumi, won the 18th Hashemite Jordan International Qur’anic Competition for Females in Jordan in 2024.
The achievements of the two sisters have drawn attention from Nigerian leaders and stakeholders in Islamic education, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu previously congratulating Maryam on her international victory and recognising the role played by her family, teachers and mentors.
According to Governor Inuwa Yahaya, Maryam’s success followed years of participation in Qur’anic competitions at different levels.
She reportedly distinguished herself in local and state competitions before progressing to national contests and eventually representing Nigeria at the international competition in Saudi Arabia.
Maryam is a Physics Education student at Gombe State University and also studies at the Abubakar Siddiq Community School for Qur’anic Memorisation in Gombe.
Speaking after her reception at the Presidential Villa, Maryam expressed appreciation to the First Lady for the recognition and financial support.
She said her participation in the Saudi Arabian competition enabled her to interact with contestants from different parts of the world and gain broader exposure.
The young scholar also expressed hope that her achievement would inspire other Nigerian youths to remain committed to education, develop their talents and pursue excellence in their chosen fields.
With the latest N20 million award, Maryam has received substantial financial recognition following her historic performance in Saudi Arabia.
Her 300,000 Saudi Riyal prize came from the King Abdulaziz International Qur’an Competition, while the N20 million reward from Oluremi Tinubu was presented during her visit to the Presidential Villa.
The First Lady’s offer to support Maryam’s postgraduate studies could further strengthen the young scholar’s ability to pursue higher education while continuing her development in Qur’anic scholarship.
Tinubu Rewards Qur’anic Champion Maryam Dan’Azumi With N20m
metro
Kaduna APC Calls for Probe Into Alleged Attacks, Vandalism
Kaduna APC Calls for Probe Into Alleged Attacks, Vandalism
The Kaduna State chapter of the APC has appealed for calm after reporting alleged attacks, vandalism and intimidation involving its members and party-related facilities.
The party wants the police and other security agencies to determine what happened and identify those responsible for any offences established by the evidence.
APC Publicity Secretary Sani Dan Azare said vehicles were allegedly damaged during an incident at party premises, while some members and supporters were reportedly assaulted or intimidated elsewhere in the state.
Rather than draw conclusions from the competing claims, the party asked security agencies to examine all credible leads and evidence before taking action.
The appeal comes as political activities intensify in Kaduna ahead of the 2027 elections. The state has already recorded a separate dispute involving ADC supporters and security operatives during a campaign-related walk, with the parties giving different accounts of the confrontation.
The APC said such incidents should not undermine what it described as progress made in reducing political, ethnic and religious tensions in the state.
It therefore urged political parties, candidates and supporters to conduct their activities peacefully and within the law.
Dan Azare also asked APC members and support groups to avoid retaliation, warning against any form of self-help.
“Let the facts be established. Let due process prevail. Let the law take its course” the party said.
The APC added that anyone with relevant information should make it available to security agencies to help establish what happened and determine whether anyone should face legal action.
Kaduna APC Calls for Probe Into Alleged Attacks, Vandalism
metro
Fatal NURTW Leadership Clash in Osun Leaves Two Dead; State Orders Park Shut Down
Fatal NURTW Leadership Clash in Osun Leaves Two Dead; State Orders Park Shut Down
As Olalekan Oyeyemi is buried in Osogbo, authorities transfer murder probe to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
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