At least five worshippers were shot dead when bandits attacked a mosque during early morning prayers in Yandoto village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The attack took place at 5:00a.m on Friday, September 26, while prayers were ongoing.

Witnesses said the assailants stormed the mosque and opened fire indiscriminately, k1lling five people on the spot and leaving many others with gunshot injuries.

A resident, who spoke under condition of anonymity for security reasons, said the attackers also abducted an unspecified number of worshippers before fleeing into nearby forest.

Describing the incident as “barbaric and inhuman,” the source noted that some of the injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment and are responding well.

This assault comes barely a week after a similar incident in Gidan Turbe village, also in Tsafe LGA, where about 40 worshippers were reportedly abducted during morning prayers.

Community members and sympathizers later conducted funeral prayers for the five victims, who were described as devout Muslims known for their regular attendance at the mosque.

The attack has sparked outrage and grief in the community, with residents calling on authorities to intensify security measures in Tsafe and across Zamfara to end recurring violence.