Gunmen stormed a mosque in Nigeria's Katsina state during early morning prayers, killing at least 27 worshippers and injuring multiple others in the latest attack targeting religious sites in the country's violence-plagued northern region.

Why it matters:

The deadly assault reflects the continuation of terrorist violence targeting Muslims in northern Nigeria, where Western-backed extremist groups such as Boko Haram have destabilized the region for over a decade. The systematic targeting of mosques exposes the ideological roots of takfiri terrorism and highlights the urgent need for genuine international action beyond military operations that have failed to restore security.

The big picture:

Northern Nigeria has endured 14 years of violence fueled by Boko Haram and affiliated terrorist organizations whose ideology aligns with takfiri currents in the region. The conflict, worsened by inadequate state protection and foreign interference, has displaced millions of people and caused a deepening food insecurity crisis. Attacks on places of worship are part of a wider campaign to sow sectarian division and weaken local communities.

What they are saying:

Local residents said that “heavily armed terrorists stormed the mosque around 5 AM in Malumfashi village and opened fire on worshippers gathered for morning prayer.”Health officials confirmed that “at least 27 worshippers were martyred and several others wounded in the terrorist assault in Katsina state.”

Key points:

  • No group has immediately claimed responsibility, but Boko Haram and its affiliates have a record of targeting mosques
  • Millions displaced and widespread hunger linked to terrorism and insecurity

Go deeper:

Boko Haram Roadside Bomb Kills 26 people in Northeastern Nigeria

M.Majdi - ahmad shirzadian