‘They shot me and abducted our imam’, Delta mosque survivor speaks from hospital

By Meluwa Kelvin Muhammed Bagudu, one of the worshippers who was shot at a mosque in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Friday morning, has narrated how one of the presiding officials was abducted during the operation. Daily Trust had reported how gunmen invaded the mosque and shot 11 worshippers. Gunmen break […]

By Meluwa Kelvin

Muhammed Bagudu, one of the worshippers who was shot at a mosque in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Friday morning, has narrated how one of the presiding officials was abducted during the operation.

Daily Trust had reported how gunmen invaded the mosque and shot 11 worshippers.

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Speaking with our correspondent from his hospital bed, Bagudu, 61, said the persons who attacked the mosque were masked.

He said aside from the Imam, another man identified as Mallam Muhammadu Sani was abducted, while other worshippers were ordered out of the mosque as the gunmen whisked away their victims.

Daily Trust gathered that the gunmen, numbering five, came in an unidentified Toyota Sienna.

Addressing journalist on the incident, the secretary of Arewa Community in Ughelli North, Darlington Ahmed Garma, said, “At about 6.15 am, unknown persons came with an ash colour Toyota Sienna, they parked opposite the mosque.

“Two men entered the Mosque, as they were taking the Imam, Mallam Muhammadu Sani away, they told the remaining members that were performing their morning prayer to go outside.

“Before they got outside the mosque, 11 worshippers were shot and they are currently on admission at (hospital name withheld).

When contacted, the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the attack but claimed nobody was abducted.

“Nobody was kidnapped, they attempted to kidnap, but could not succeed.”

“Seven persons injured have been taking to the hospital were they are receiving treatment,” Edafe said.