Amnesty International has condemned the killing of worshippers at a mosque in Na’alma village in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State on Wednesday.
The international organisation in a statement issued on its X page on Wednesday also condemned the continued invasion of communities and worship centres by bandits operating in the Northern region.
The statement said, “Amnesty International strongly condemns the horrific attack on worshippers at a mosque during dawn prayers today at Na’alma village Malumfashi LGA Katsina state. The number of people killed by the gunmen widely referred to as ‘bandits’ is yet to be ascertained, as dozens of people who tried to escape are still missing, while many critically injured are receiving treatment at hospitals.”
Citing a previous invasion of a mosque in Unguwan Mantau village in Katsina and the killing of over 50 worshippers, the organisation called for immediate action from the government.
“This is coming almost two months after gunmen killed over 50 people when they attacked a mosque in Unguwan Mantau village in the same local government area,” it noted.
It stated that strong actions from the government at all levels against bandits and criminals who kill and maim citizens across states will serve as a strict measure to end these crimes.
AI also warned that these criminal elements will continue to strike if nothing is done to bring justice to them and the victims.
“Issuing press statements by both federal and state authorities condemning these horrific attacks is not enough. A genuine commitment to protecting the people must be demonstrated, by ensuring adequate security of lives and property, as well as ensuring justice for the victims.
“Consistent failure of the Nigerian authorities to bring the actual suspected perpetrators to justice is emboldening impunity and leaving rural communities constantly bracing up for the next attack,” AI added.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.
