By Omowumi Omotosho
A tragic incident struck Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State on Friday night when armed men invaded a mosque and shot dead a worshipper during a botched kidnap attempt.
The victim, identified as 45-year-old Alhaji Dahiru, was reportedly attacked around 8:30 p.m. on August 30 while observing the Ishai prayer with other congregants.
According to eyewitness accounts, no fewer than seven gunmen stormed the mosque and made efforts to whisk Dahiru away. He resisted, prompting the attackers to open fire, killing him instantly before escaping on motorcycles.
Security operatives who arrived at the scene confirmed the recovery of two AK-47 shells from the prayer ground.
Relatives of the deceased have appealed for the immediate release of his body to enable a swift burial in line with Islamic tradition.
Efforts to get reaction of the Kwara State Police Command spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi proved abortive as multiple calls to her mobile line were not answered.
