Pix: Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris

By Bashir Rahmon, Abuja

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has vowed that the federal government will hunt down and bring to justice those responsible for the killing of worshippers in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State.

The tragic attack occurred on Tuesday morning when gunmen stormed a mosque during Fajr prayers, opening fire on worshippers and leaving multiple casualties. On Wednesday, Abdullahi Faskari, Secretary to the Katsina State Government, confirmed that 32 people were killed in the assault.

In a statement issued on Friday, Idris condemned the incident as “callous and barbaric,” stressing that such acts of terror will never be allowed to thrive in Nigeria.

“This wanton act of violence is not only an assault on the people of Malumfashi but also on our shared humanity and values as a nation,” he said.

The minister assured that security forces are already pursuing the perpetrators, adding that “no stone will be left unturned until they are apprehended and held accountable. Justice will be swift and decisive.”

Highlighting recent progress in counter-terrorism, Idris recalled that the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) had recently announced the arrest of top leaders of two notorious terrorist groups, including Mahmud al-Nigeri of the Mahmuda faction, his deputy Abu Abba, and Mahmud Muhammad Usman (Abu Baraa) of the Ansaru group.

“These arrests, directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are proof that those who shed innocent blood will find no hiding place in Nigeria,” he added.