Terrorists Kill 16 Worshippers in North Central Nigeria

Terrorists wielding heavy weapons stormed a mosque in Maza-Kuka, Niger State, North Central Nigeria, killing more than 15 worshippers in the early hours of Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, according to the state government. 

The armed men reportedly raided the community on motorcycles, wielding AK47 rifles and other dangerous weapons, and several worshipers and villagers managed to flee into the bush in the process. 

The state government confirmed the attack through its Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Ibrahim Matane, who said about 16 people were killed. 

According to Abdulkareem Maza, a member of the Niger State House of Assembly representing the town, the terrorists have also kidnapped a large number of other worshippers. 

The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Monday Bala Kuryas, said more security officers have been deployed to the area following the attack, but he did not specify how many people were killed. 

However, an eyewitness said he and others counted 18 corpses from the attack, and there is a chance that there are more because many others are still missing. 

Terrorists operating in various parts of Niger have recently increased their attacks in the state, putting pressure on the government to respond by beefing up security. 

Maza-Kuka is located in Mashegu Local Government Area, which borders the densely forested Kainji Forest in Niger State, which terrorists use as safe-havens. 

The US stated that it is closely monitoring reports of Al-Qaeda-linked jihadists known as Ansaru occupying hundreds of villages in Niger state. 

According to officials, the Ansaru, which broke away from Boko Haram, has taken over more than 500 villages in Niger state’s eight local governments and raised flags in other villages such as Shiroro and Kaure.