Gunmen have allegedly attacked a mosque in Maza-Kuka village in Mashegu local government council of Niger State, killing 18 worshipers.
It was gathered that the armed men invaded the village in large numbers and attacked the villagers, who were performing their early morning prayers.
Secretary to the Niger State Government, Ahmed Ibrahim-Matane, confirmed the attack to The Nation.
He said that 16 people were killed in the mosque while one other was killed at Kaboji village by the gunmen.
Mr Matane said that the State Government has sent a team of military personnel to the forest to fish out bandits hiding there.
The Chairman of Mashegu local government council, Alhassan Isa Maza-Kuka also confirmed the incident, describing it as very devastating to the people.
He said that the attack was uncalled for especially as the people were in the mosque for prayers.
Mr Alhassan disclosed one of the injured people was in a critical condition and has been referred to the Minna General Hospital for medical attention.
