Amnesty International has condemned the early morning attack on worshippers at a mosque in Na’alma village, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, describing it as horrific and a reflection of the government’s failure to protect citizens.

In a post on its X (formerly Twitter) handle, the human rights organisation said the assault occurred during dawn prayers, with the exact number of casualties yet to be confirmed.

According to Amnesty, several residents who tried to escape remain missing, while others are receiving treatment for critical injuries in nearby hospitals.

The group recalled that the attack came less than two months after gunmen killed more than 50 people in a similar assault on a mosque in Unguwan Mantau, also in Malumfashi.

Amnesty accused both federal and state authorities of repeatedly issuing statements of condemnation without taking concrete steps to ensure accountability and justice.

It warned that the continued failure to arrest and prosecute those responsible for such attacks has emboldened perpetrators and left rural communities living in constant fear.

“The consistent failure of the Nigerian authorities to bring suspected perpetrators to justice is emboldening impunity and leaving rural communities bracing for the next attack,” Amnesty stated.