Worshippers in Gidan Mantau community, near Malumfashi in Katsina State, say gunmen stormed their mosque around 5 a.m. on Tuesday while they were observing morning prayers.
Residents said at least 23 people were killed, though the state government confirmed 13 deaths. Several others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
The Katsina commissioner for internal security, Dr. Nasir Muazu, described the incident as a retaliatory attack. He said the community had earlier ambushed the attackers, killing some and seizing their weapons and motorcycles.
Acting Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe has appealed to President Bola Tinubu for urgent intervention to protect communities from escalating violence.
Following the killings, residents of Malumfashi staged protests, calling for stronger federal action. Security forces have since been deployed to the area.
