Rivers Police Arrest 23-Year-Old Man for Brutal Murder of Girlfriend in Etche

Unguwan Mantau, a community in Malumfashi LGA of Katsina State, was thrown into mourning on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, following a deadly attack during the early morning (Fajr) prayers at a local mosque. Armed bandits stormed the mosque and opened fire, killing 13 worshippers during the service.

According to Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, Katsina’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, the assault appears to be a reprisal attack. Two days prior, villagers in Unguwan Mantau had ambushed the same bandits, killed several of them, rescued abducted victims from a nearby community (Ruwan Sanyi), and seized weapons and motorcycles.

Dr. Mu’azu described the attackers as returning in deadly retaliation, choosing the mosque and time of prayer to inflict maximum harm.

Security forces—including personnel from the Nigerian Army’s Forward Operating Base, the Air Component Command, and the Nigerian Police Force—have been immediately deployed to the area to restore normalcy and pursue the perpetrators.

Dr. Mu’azu noted that bandits often exploit the rainy season and use dense crops as cover to coordinate surprise attacks, underscoring the need for enhanced vigilance and community collaboration.

He also commended the bravery of local residents, urging continued cooperation with security agencies to avoid further tragedies. The State Government offered heartfelt condolences to grieving families and reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding communities and reinforcing security in vulnerable areas.