The police in Zamfara State yesterday confirmed that gunmen killed five worshippers and kidnapped 18 in an attack on a mosque during prayers in the state.

Around 100 cattle thieves on motorcycles opened fire on a Muslim congregation in remote Dutsen Gari village in Maru district as residents were observing the weekly Friday prayers.

“The bandits killed five worshippers and kidnapped 18 others, including the imam,” state police spokesman Mohammed Shehu said.

But residents however said more than 30 worshippers were abducted.