Terrorists Shoot Imam, Kidnap 19 In Katsina

Suspected terrorists have at the weekend invaded a mosque at Maigamji in the Funtua local government area of Katsina State, shot the Imam and kidnapped about 19 persons while observing evening prayer (Issahi)

The state police command which confirmed the attack yesterday, said it rescued six victims earlier abducted by terrorists

According to the command, the six victims were part of the 19 worshippers abducted by terrorists around 7.40 pm on Saturday from a mosque at Maigamji community in the Funtua LGA.

The spokesman for the state police command, SP Gambo Isah, confirmed the incident.

He said, “It’s true the attack took place. The terrorists stormed the mosque at Maigamji while people were observing Issahi’s prayers. They shot and injured the Imam and one other person. Those people are currently responding to treatment in the hospital.

“The terrorists also abducted some worshippers that night, but a combined team of the police and the vigilante rescued two of the victims that night. The security operatives also rescued four other victims on Sunday, making a total of six victims who have been rescued so far.

“At present, 13 victims are still in the custody of the terrorists and our operatives are making serious efforts to ensure that they are rescued without any injury.”

A resident of the area said the terrorists shot and wounded the chief Imam leading the prayers and one other worshipper during the attack before abducting the victims.