The attack occurred on Friday 20th of September 1996.
It happened as Malam Aliyu Adam was giving a sermon on a Friday like he usually does. Suddenly, the Goronyo Local Government Chairman, Abdullahi Abdu Dan kaura came into the mosque and then left after a short while.
A moment later, a man called Abu UD told Malam Aliyu that he was summoned outside. Without any hesitation, the police and some hired thugs barged into the mosque fully armed, where they destroyed anything at their disposal. Abu UD who was part of the thugs abruptly grabbed the collar of Malam Aliyu Adam, upon seeing this, other members of the Islamic movement surrounded them and Abu UD brought out a knife and tried to stab one of the brothers but couldn’t get to him. Abu UD suddenly reached to another brother who was called Umar and stabbed him three times. Afterwards, Abu UD turned to Martyr Umar kassu and stabbed him on the chest.
Martyr Umar asked Abu UD why he was stabbing him with a knife. And afterwards, the Martyr recited the Kalimatush shahada “La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur-Rasulullah”, that was the last word he uttered before he attained martyrdom.
The thugs continued with their attacks mercilessly until they made sure there were three unmoving bodies on the floor.
List of Martyr(s)
Martyr Usman Suleiman Shehu Kassu