Bandits Attack Kebbi Mosque During Taraweeh Prayers, Multiple Fatalities Reported
Several residents were feared dead after suspected Lakurawa bandits launched a violent attack on the Dadin-Kowa community in Maiyama Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The assault occurred on Wednesday night, February 25, 2026, during Taraweeh prayers, a special nightly worship observed by Muslims in the holy month of Ramadan.
Details of the Attack
According to reports, the attackers stormed the community and specifically targeted worshippers who were observing prayers inside a local mosque. The incident resulted in multiple fatalities, with several other individuals sustaining injuries during the chaotic assault. In a disturbing development, the mosque was reportedly desecrated by the bandits as part of their attack.
Photos from the scene, shared by security analyst and crisis journalist Bakatsine via his X handle on Thursday, February 26, show blood-stained prayer rugs, providing grim visual evidence of the violence that unfolded during what should have been a peaceful religious observance.
Security Analyst's Response
Bakatsine described the attack as a grim reminder of the persistent insecurity plaguing parts of northern Nigeria. He emphasized the particular brutality of targeting innocent worshippers inside a mosque during the sacred month of Ramadan, questioning how perpetrators of such violence could claim to represent Islam.
"Such actions only tarnish the image of the religion and fuel hostility against the faith," Bakatsine stated in his social media post, highlighting the broader implications of attacks on religious institutions during holy periods.
Context and Implications
The attack on Dadin-Kowa community represents another chapter in the ongoing security challenges facing northern Nigerian states, where bandit groups have increasingly targeted civilian populations in rural areas. The timing during Ramadan prayers adds a particularly sensitive dimension to the violence, raising concerns about:
- The safety of religious gatherings in vulnerable communities
- The psychological impact on survivors and witnesses
- The potential for escalating religious tensions in the region
- The effectiveness of security measures during high-risk periods
Local authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the exact number of casualties or details about any response operations. However, the incident has already sparked renewed discussions about security strategies in Nigeria's northern regions, particularly during religious observances that bring communities together in potentially vulnerable settings.
