---
title: "Bandits kill at least 27 in northern Nigeria mosque attack, officials say"
description: "MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Aug 19 (Reuters) - At least 27 worshippers were killed and several injured early on Tuesday when armed bandits stormed a mosque in northern Nigeria's Katsina state during morning prayers, the village head and a hospital official said."
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Newsdeck"
author: "Reuters"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/reuters/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-08-19-bandits-kill-at-least-27-in-northern-nigeria-mosque-attack-officials-say/"
published: "2025-08-19T21:35:56"
updated: "2025-08-19T21:35:57"
lang: "en-ZA"
word_count: 47
---

# Bandits kill at least 27 in northern Nigeria mosque attack, officials say

> MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Aug 19 (Reuters) - At least 27 worshippers were killed and several injured early on Tuesday when armed bandits stormed a mosque in northern Nigeria's Katsina state during morning prayers, the village head and a hospital official said.

By Reuters · Published 19 August 2025, 23:35 SAST · Updated 19 August 2025, 23:35 SAST

## Key points
- In a shocking breach of sanctuary, gunmen transformed a peaceful dawn prayer at a mosque in Unguwan Mantau into a scene of chaos, proving once again that even the holiest of places are not immune to the world's darker forces.
- Gunmen attacked a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, Malumfashi during early morning prayers.
- The assault occurred around 04:00 GMT, targeting worshippers.
- Local residents reported the incident, highlighting ongoing security concerns.
- Additional reporting contributed by Hamza Ibrahim, with editing by Chris Reese.

## Content

By Ahmed Kingimi

Gunmen opened fire inside a mosque as Muslims gathered to pray at around 04:00 GMT in the remote community of Unguwan Mantau in Malumfashi local government area, residents said.

(Additional reporting by Hamza Ibrahim in Kano; Writing by Chijioke Ohuocha; Editing by Chris Reese)