Not less than 20 people were killed when gunmen suspected to be herdsmen opened fire on worshippers in a mosque located at Etogi community in Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday.

The attackers were reported to have struck as prayers were ongoing in the mosque, killing everyone, including the imam of the mosque, while some women and children were said to have sustained various degrees of injury.

Channels television reports that the attack is believed to be a reprisal after a herdsman was reportedly killed following a disagreement over a piece of land between some Fulani youths and members of the Etogi community.

Niger state police spokesman, Bala Elkana, confirmed the incident, saying the retaliatory attack was unexpected as the issue surrounding the killing of the herdsman had earlier been resolved.

He said three suspects have been arrested in connection with the attack, adding that normalcy has since been restored to the village.