Reporters were informed by a resident that the attack took place at the Central Mosque, which is situated along Okoroda Street in Ughelli, at approximately 6:47 am when some Muslim faithful were holding their morning prayers.
“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”, the resident said.
Larry also said some of the worshippers told residents that three of their fellow worshippers were taken away by the gunmen.
The spokesperson of the State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident.
Edafe, who confirmed 11 worshippers were injured in the attack, was silent on the reported abduction of three worshippers.
“I just called the DPO at Ughelli, and he confirmed 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”, he said.