At least five people lost their lives when armed men stormed a mosque during dawn prayers in Yandoto village, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The attack, which happened on Friday morning, threw the community into panic as gunmen opened fire on worshippers inside the mosque.
Residents said the attackers shot indiscriminately, killing five people instantly and injuring several others. Some of the worshippers were also taken away by the assailants, who fled into a nearby forest after the assault. Those injured were rushed for medical care, and some are said to be responding to treatment.
The state police command is yet to confirm details of the incident, as the spokesperson said he was awaiting a report from the divisional police officer in charge of the area. The raid comes days after a similar incident in Gidan Turbe village, also in Tsafe LGA, where dozens of worshippers were abducted while observing early morning prayers.
In another tragedy, more than 100 people are feared dead after a gold pit collapsed in Kadauri village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The incident occurred on Thursday, leaving scores of illegal miners trapped beneath the debris.
Eyewitnesses said many people rushed in to rescue those buried, but the attempt worsened the situation as some of the rescuers suffocated. Eight bodies have so far been recovered and taken to Mekwanugga village, where the victims were from, for burial.
Both incidents have left Zamfara residents in grief, as families mourn their loved ones and await news of those still missing.