The attack, according to Pointblanknews.com sources was suspected to have been carried by terrorists from either the Dogo Gudale gang or Shadari gang, which are based in the nearby Gando forest.
“When the bandits came on their motorcycles, they rode straight to the mosque. When the worshippers, who were already inside the mosque learnt of their arrival, they started running outside but it was too late as the bandits opened fire on the worshippers,” he said
Mr Salisu, who was in Bukkuyum town Saturday afternoon, said Ruwan Jema has been deserted.
“Those who hid inside their houses and silos later recovered eight dead bodies inside the mosque while ten other corpses were recovered outside the mosque. As of Friday night, 18 dead bodies were counted.”
He added that several residents fled into the bush but were later seen in other communities while others trekked to Bukkuyum, the local government area headquarters.
A traditional ruler, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, said several residents are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Bukkuyum.
He said four people who sustained serious injuries were taken to the Usman Danfodio University Teaching Hospital in Sokoto.
“There are more than ten victims with gunshots injuries in Bukkuyum General Hospital . This morning, the medical officer asked that four people should be taken to Sokoto for urgent medical attention. I was there when they left. They sustained serious gunshots and we hope they survive it,” the traditional ruler added.