The Kaduna State Police Command said it has arrested 12 armed hoodlums for attacking worshippers performing Tahajjud prayer at Layin Bilya, Makwa Road, Rigasa in Kaduna.
The arrest was carried on Friday at about 2am following receipt of a distress call by the Police from a concerned citizen, reporting that a large group of armed hoodlums had mobilised from Malali Gabas, Tudun Wada, Rafin Guza, and Unguwar Baduko areas to attack the worshippers performing prayers of the last 10 days of Ramadan.
Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of officers, accompanied by the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), to the scene in a bid to apprehend the suspects.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Mansir Hassan, in a statement, however, said before their arrival, the assailants had already stabbed one Usman Mohammad, a 23-year-old participant in the Tahajjud prayers, with a sharp knife and despite being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries hours later and was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
The Police spokesman stated further that in response, the Police swiftly apprehended 12 suspects who confessed to have taken part in the attack and recovered several weapons from them.
He added that a full-scale investigation has been launched to uncover the full details of the incident and ensure justice is served.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Police Command has significantly increased security deployments across strategic areas, particularly around mosques where such prayers are conducted.
The PPRO urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities promptly to the police to aid in effective crime prevention.
Furthermore, the Command has issued a stern warning to all miscreants to desist from engaging in criminal activities, that they will face the full weight of the law if caught.
