By MOHAMMED TIJJANI

The Police Command in Kaduna State has detained 12 suspects over alleged attack of worshipers during Tahajjud prayers (night prayers).

The Command?s Spokesman, DSP Mansir Hassan, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.

Hassan said, ?On March 21, at about 2:00a.m., the police received a distress call from a concerned citizen.

?The citizen reported that a large group of armed hoodlums had mobilised from Malalin Gabas, Tudun Wada, Rafin Guza, and Unguwar Baduko areas to attack worshipers performing Tahajjud prayers at Layin Bilya, Makwa Road, Rigasain Kaduna.

?Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of officers, accompanied by the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) to the scene in a bid to apprehend the suspects,? the command?s spokesman said.

He, however, said that before the police team?s arrival, the hoodlums had already stabbed one Usman Mohammad, 23, with a sharp knife.

Hassan said that Mohammad was immediately rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention, but due to severity of his injuries later succumbed and was confirmed dead by a doctor.

?Subsequently, the police swiftly apprehended 12 suspects, who confessed to have partaken in the attack, and recovered several weapons from them,? he said.

Hassan said further that investigation was ongoing to uncover the full details of the incident and ?ensure justice is served.?

According to him, following the incident, the Command has significantly increased security deployments to strategic areas in the state, particularly around mosques, where such prayers are conducted.

He urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements and activities promptly to the police to aid effective crime prevention.

?The command is issuing a stern warning to all miscreants to desist from engaging in these criminal activities as they will face the full weight of the law, if caught,? Hassan said. (Text, excluding headline: NAN)

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