Residents of Unguwa Muntau in Katsina State took to the streets on Tuesday, August 20, 2025, to protest after suspected armed bandits killed 13 worshippers during dawn prayers. The demonstrators blocked the busy Malumfashi-Funtua highway, a critical route connecting Kano to other northern states, causing significant disruptions for motorists and commuters.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attack occurred early Tuesday morning when the assailants stormed the mosque, opening fire on worshippers without provocation. One resident, Abubakar, who narrowly escaped, described the scene as horrific. “They just entered and started shooting at people who were praying. Thirteen people died instantly. It was something we had never seen before,” he recounted.
In response to the killings, angry youths barricaded the highway with stones, logs, and burning tires, demanding urgent government action to enhance security in their communities. The blockade led to massive traffic jams, with many travelers abandoning their journeys. One motorist shared their ordeal: “We spent more than three hours stuck, waiting for security agents to intervene, but no one came. Eventually, one driver volunteered to lead us through rough village paths before we got out. What should have been a seven-hour journey took nearly 24 hours.”
As the situation escalated, travelers faced additional challenges when they reached Miyanchi, only to find the road closed for the night due to security measures. At the time of this report, security operatives had not issued any statements regarding the attack or the protest, and the atmosphere in the affected communities remained tense.
Residents are calling on both state and federal authorities to take immediate action to bolster security across Katsina and other frontline states plagued by armed banditry.
