Nigeria: Bandits kill 27 in mosque, destroy Catholic church

Image: Fides

Source: Fides

At least 27 people gathered for prayer in the mosque of Unguwar Mantau, in Katsina State, northern Nigeria, were killed early yesterday morning (19 August) by a group of bandits.

The week before, on 11 August, Fulani bandits attacked and destroyed the Catholic parish church of St Paul, in Aye-Twar and much of the parish property.

These are just two of several violent incidents that have taken place in the region over the last few months.

The insecurity is having a significant impact on the country's education system. According to a recent study by Oxford Policy Management, between 2020 and 2025, approximately 330 students were kidnapped, 14 teachers were abducted, another five were killed, and a total of 52 schools in the Batsari, Faskari, and Kankara Local Government Areas (LGAs) were closed.

"The barbaric attack of 11 August has brought all pastoral activities to a permanent standstill, as all 26 parishes had long been occupied by armed herdsmen," explained Fr Samuel Fila, chairman of the Katsina-Ala Diocese chapter of the Nigerian Catholic Diocesan Priests' Association (NCDPA). The attack desecrated and destroyed the parish church, set fire to the parish office and rectory, and looted or destroyed parish property and vehicles.

One of the causes of insecurity in Katsina State is the inadequately controlled border with Niger, which allows the passage of Islamists, armed gangs, and contraband. In recent hours, the local customs authorities announced the seizure of a large quantity of illegally imported drugs, including tramadol, a painkiller sold on the illegal drug market.

"The people of Katsina State deserve to live in security, not fear," said Farouk Lawal Jobe, acting governor of Katsina, in an appeal to Nigerian President Bola Tinubu. He called for urgent measures to address the dramatic security situation in this state in the far north of Nigeria.

"We respectfully request the President to issue appropriate instructions to all security agencies to resolutely put an end to the unjustified attacks on our peaceful communities," Jobe added.