Scores of worshippers injured as gunmen attack mosque in Delta

Terror ensued as gun bearing hoodlums attacked a mosque on Friday morning in Ughelli, Delta state, inflicting about 11 worshippers with injuries of varying degrees.

The unknown gunmen carried out the preplanned attack on the mosque at about 7am as scores of Muslim worshippers were observing their morning prayers at the Central Mosque, located along Okoroda street in Ughelli.

It was gathered that many residents were attracted by gunshots accompanied by loud noise from the Muslim adherents.

“My name is Larry, I am a commercial vehicle driver here in Ughelli. I live very close to the central mosque, so this morning at about 6.45 am we heard a shooting at the mosque.

“Because of fear, many people in my compound were frightened and we remained inside only peeping through our windows.

“As the shooting lasted, we heard loud cries from some worshippers inside the mosque,” he said.

He said residents immediately trooped the scene of the attack to confirm the incident after the departure of the gunmen.

Residents according to him, helped to evacuate casualties, stating that those that survived the attack sustained serious injuries.

The source confirmed that that about three worshippers were taken away by the assailants

The Delta State police spokesperson, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed that only 11 victims sustained injuries in the attack, but could not speak on three abducted worshippers.

“I just called the DPO at Ughelli and he confirmed to me that 11 persons were injured in the attack at the mosque.

“However, the police have commenced an investigation into the incident and we will update you as we work to unravel the culprits.

He, however, could not confirm the abduction of three worshippers.

“I just called the DPO at Ughelli and he confirmed to me that 11 persons were injured in the attack at the mosque.

“However, the police have commenced an investigation into the incident and we will update you as we work to unravel the culprits.

“For now, no arrest has been made but I can assure you that we will get those involved,” Edafe concluded.