LG officials deny reported Sokoto mosque attack 

The Chairman of Sabon Birni Local Government Area in Sokoto State, Alhaji Ayuba Hashimu, has dismissed reports claiming that a mosque in the area was attacked and that an Imam and worshippers were killed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a media outlet had alleged that bandits stormed a mosque in Sabon Birni town, killing the Imam, several worshippers and abducting others.

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Hashimu denied the report, insisting that no such incident took place.
“I am not aware of any mosque that was attacked, let alone the killing of an Imam and worshippers. The story is false,” he said.

In a separate interview, the member representing Sabon Birni Local Government Area in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Boza, also refuted the report, stressing that there was no mosque attack.
“I don’t know where the report originated from, but it is not true. No mosque was attacked by bandits,” he said.

However, a security source revealed that military troops stationed in the area confronted a gang of bandits who had attacked Gatawa village under Sabon Birni LGA.

The source, who requested anonymity, said the bandits fired shots indiscriminately and initially encountered resistance from members of the local vigilante group. He explained that the military’s rapid response team later repelled the attackers before they could enter the community.

According to the source, the confrontation occurred near the township entrance between Dan-Kamarawa and Gatawa villages at about 1 a.m. on Friday. Four vigilante members sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

“The swift action showcased the effectiveness and readiness of the Nigerian Army personnel, who prevented what could have been a major attack on the village. The situation is now stable and under control,” the source stated.

(NAN)