A group of unknown gunmen has attacked a mosque in Ughelli, Delta State, and around 11 worshipers were hurt in an early-morning gunfire attack
It was discovered that the armed men who attacked the mosque at around 6 a.m. kidnapped a deputy imam who was simply known as Mallam Muhammadu Sani.
The incident that is causing unrest in Ughelli took place on Otovwievwiere Street in the Okorodafe axis of the city. Before kidnapping their victim, the armed guys are claimed to have fired a barrage of rounds into the air.
It was said that the shooters, five of them, attacked the mosque just as the congregation was about to begin the morning prayers in an unidentifiable Toyota Sienna.
Secretary of Arewa Community, Ughelli North, Darlington Ahmed Garma, told journalists that “At about 6:15 a.m. unknown persons came with an ash color Toyota Sienna, they parked opposite the mosque.
“Two men entered the mosque, as they were taking the Imam, Mallam Muhammadu Sani away, they told the remaining members that were performing their morning prayer to go outside.
“Before they got outside the mosque, 11 worshippers were shut and they are currently on admission at Ughelli Central Hospital,” he said.
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Muhammed Bagudu, one of the injured patients, revealed from his hospital bed that the masked gunmen entered the mosque and started shooting people.
“They shot me, my brother, and one of the Imams and went away with another Imam, Muhammadu Sani from Katsina State.
Some of the 11 wounded were being treated in the Accident and Emergency ward when reporters arrived at Ughelli Central Hospital.
Only 11 worshippers were hurt in the attack, according to DSP Bright Edafe, the public relations officer for Delta State Police, who confirmed the occurrence.
He did not, however, confirm the kidnapping of the three worshipers.
“I just called the DPO at Ughelli and he confirmed to me that 11 persons were injured in the attack at the mosque.
“However, the police have commenced an investigation into the incident and we will update you as we work to unravel the culprits.
“For now, no arrest has been made but I can assure you that we will get those involved,” Edafe said.
