Gunmen attack mosque in Nigeria, leaving 13 dead during prayers

On August 19, 2025, gunmen attacked a mosque in the town of Unguwan Mantau, located in Nigeria's Katsina state, during the morning prayers. This violent act claimed the lives of at least 13 individuals, according to local authorities. The attack has not yet been claimed by any group, but similar incidents have become frequent in the northwestern and north-central regions of Nigeria, often tied to ongoing conflicts between herders and farmers over land and resources. Last month, a separate attack in north-central Nigeria resulted in the deaths of 150 people, highlighting the increasing severity and frequency of these violent clashes. The state's commissioner, Nasir Mu’azu, stated that security forces, including the army and police, have been deployed to the area to prevent further violence. He explained that these gunmen often exploit the rainy season by concealing themselves in crops on farms, thus allowing them to launch ambushes on communities. The recent mosque attack is believed to be retaliation for a weekend raid where townspeople ambushed and killed several gunmen, illustrating the ongoing cycle of violence in the region. The conflict between the local farmers and herders, predominantly of Fulani descent, is rooted in disputes over grazing land and water. Farmers accuse herders of allowing their livestock to graze on farmlands, causing substantial damage to crops. Meanwhile, herders claim they are simply following traditional grazing routes that have historical legal backing dating back to 1965. This complex issue has escalated into significant violence, as both sides endure grievances that manifest in bloody confrontations. The security situation in Nigeria's mineral-rich regions remains precarious, with numerous armed groups taking advantage of limited law enforcement presence to carry out violent attacks on villages and major roads. As the conflict continues to grow deadlier, authorities and analysts warn that more herdsmen and militia members are arming themselves, further exacerbating the already fragile geopolitical situation in the country.