Nigeria police rescues 30 out of 40 worshippers kidnapped in mosque raid

Update:

Local media portals are reporting that 30 out of the 40 persons picked by the bandits have been rescued by the Katsina State police Command, hours after they were attacked.

Police spokesman SP Gambo Isah told BBC security forces, vigilantes and the local community rallied and pursued the gunmen, which enabled them to rescue 30 of the abductees.

Original story:

At least 40 worshippers have been abducted by armed bandits at a mosque in Jibiya town, Jibiya Local Government Area of Katsina State.

It was gathered that the bandits stormed the mosque while worshippers were observing Tahajjud, a midnight prayer observed during the Holy Month of Ramadan.

Residents of the town told Daily Nigerian that dozens of gunmen struck at the mosque around 2am on Monday, May 10, and whisked away some worshippers.

It was further gathered that the kidnappers initially picked 47 congregants, including women and children, but seven later returned.

"So far we established 40 people missing after the attack," a resident said

Another resident, Lawal Jibiya, said neighboring villagers had alerted them about the impending attack after sighting the the bandits heading towards the town.

He said hundreds of youths and members of the local vigilante were on alert but the bandits changed their route and entered the town from the western entry point.

"We were expecting them from the eastern entry point through Daddara, Kukar Babangida or Magama but this time they proceeded beyond the town and camped at Jibawa.

“From Jibawa they then went round to the western entry point near Yunusa Dantauri Hospital and attacked a mosque on the outskirt of the town,” the witness added.