By Ahmed Abdulkadir
The devastating attack on worshippers in Unguwar Mantau during early morning prayers in Malumfashi Local Government Area sent shockwaves across Katsina State. Official figures vary, with reports ranging from at least 13 to over 30 deaths, while some sources suggested the toll might have reached 50. Whatever the number, it was one of the most painful tragedies in recent memory, leaving families and communities heartbroken.
Yet, out of the grief came a swift and determined response. The Katsina State Government, alongside federal security forces, acted quickly to show not only sympathy for the victims but also a firm resolve to restore peace.
Katsina State Acting Governor, Malam Farouk Lawal Jobe
Within hours of the attack, Acting Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe directed the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Faskari, to lead a powerful delegation to Unguwar Mantau.
The team met grieving families, community leaders, and religious figures, conveying condolences on behalf of the government. Faskari described the killings as “deeply painful and heartbreaking,” assuring residents that government stood firmly with them and would not relent until security was restored.
This was not a one-off gesture. The visit reflected a pattern of compassion in Katsina’s governance. Earlier this year, Governor Dikko Radda, before embarking on medical leave, had personally visited victims of banditry while they received treatment, offering words of comfort, financial assistance, and even support for a rescued woman who gave birth in captivity. The state’s approach has consistently shown that beyond strategies and statistics, the human face of insecurity is not forgotten.
But sympathy alone is not enough. At Government House in Katsina, Acting Governor Jobe convened an emergency State Security Council meeting with military chiefs, the police, civil defence, immigration, customs, and religious leaders. The meeting produced immediate action. He launched eight brand-new Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs), which were swiftly deployed to the state’s vulnerable areas. This boosted Katsina’s security fleet to 43 APCs, making it one of the most fortified states in the North-West.
These reinforcements are part of a wider investment by the administration. Since taking office, the state has committed over ₦36 billion to security. This has gone into procuring Hilux vehicles, motorcycles, drones, trackers, walkie-talkies, combat gear, and allowances for community watch groups. Over 1,100 community volunteers have also been trained, while thousands of ward heads, imams, vigilantes, and community leaders now receive stipends to support the broader security architecture.
When the attackers struck Unguwar Mantau, villagers did not cower. They fought back, forcing some of the bandits to retreat. This resilience echoes Katsina’s vision of a community-driven security model, where local vigilance works hand in hand with formal forces. Programs like the Community Watch Corps and vigilante groups have already secured four frontline local governments—Jibia, Batsari, Safana, and Dan Musa—proving that people are not mere spectators in their own security.
At the same time, Katsina did not stand alone. Recognizing the scale of the challenge, the Acting Governor appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu for federal support. That call was swiftly answered. The Chief of Army Staff scheduled an on-ground assessment visit, while federal troops and air power were mobilized.
In a decisive operation, the Nigerian Air Force struck the notorious Pauwa Hill hideout in Kankara, home to bandit kingpin Babaro—the mastermind of the Unguwar Mantau killings. The precision air raid not only dismantled one of the most feared bandit enclaves but also rescued 76 kidnapped victims, many of them abducted from the mosque attack. Although one child tragically lost his life, the operation underscored the strength of federal-state collaboration.
Meanwhile, on the ground, the Nigerian Army neutralized seven armed bandits in Kankara and seized their motorcycles, further weakening the criminals’ grip.
What has emerged in the aftermath of Unguwar Mantau is a clear pattern: a government that responds with empathy, acts with urgency, and coordinates with partners for greater strength. By consoling victims, investing heavily in security infrastructure, empowering local communities, and rallying federal military support, Katsina has shown that its people are not left to face terror alone.
As Acting Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe declared, “The battle against banditry is not over until it is won… Our resolve is firm, and we will continue until Katsina State is safe for all.”
For a state that has endured so much, the path forward is difficult. But the swift rescue operations, strengthened security presence, and the government’s visible compassion have rekindled a sense of hope. Katsina’s message to its people is clear: even in the darkest of nights, the light of resilience and unity will outshine the fear spread by criminals.
Abdulkadir is a veteran media executive, journalist, teacher, entrepreneur, and public servant with over 35 years of experience in broadcasting, media regulation, communication, and education.
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