Recall, Dawn Herald reported that on Tuesday last week, armed bandits struck a mosque in Mantau Village, Malumfashi LGA, killing 32 worshippers.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, visited the community to offer condolences and unveiled a support package for affected families.
The tragic raid at Mantau left the village grieving and shaken. According to official sources, 20 victims lost their lives inside the mosque while an additional 12 were killed outside. Alongside the loss of life, 20 homes were torched, and 76 residents were abducted. Thankfully, the Nigerian Air Force rapidly intervened, securing the release of the captives the following day.
Governor Radda’s visit was driven by a deep sense of compassion and urgency. Speaking to reporters after meeting with survivors, he described the scene as devastating, encountering orphaned children, charred residences, and families struggling amid the aftermath. To ease their immediate burdens, he announced a relief disbursement of 500,000 Naira per affected household.
The Governor also shed light on the circumstances surrounding the assault, indicating it was a retaliatory strike after villagers successfully defended themselves against previous raids, reportedly killing seven bandits and confiscating weapons.
The Ministry of Works has been tasked with evaluating the road into Mantau, while plans are underway to establish a new school and health center. Radda committed to restoring the damaged mosque and assisting bereaved families with rebuilding their homes and livelihoods.
Security remains a top priority for the administration. Reinforcing this, the Governor stated,
Ensuring the safety of our citizens transcends politics, it is a matter of humanity. With continued collaboration from our people, we will overcome these challenges, In Sha Allah…what I witnessed was heart-rending. Orphans without guardians, families in despair… We asked what help was needed and promised a step-by-step response – Governor Radda
The combined efforts of the government and local community provide a beacon of hope. The state aims to restore peace and stability to Mantau and its surroundings in the coming months, with rebuilding initiatives underway and security operations intensifying.
Leave a comment