Tragedy struck in Nigeria’s northern Kano state as at least 11 worshippers lost their lives and several others sustained injuries in a horrific attack on a mosque, according to local police.
Reports indicate that a man, allegedly embroiled in a family dispute over inheritance, perpetrated the attack by spraying the mosque with petrol and locking its doors before setting it ablaze.
The incident occurred during morning prayers on Wednesday, May 15 in the Gezawa area of Kano state.
Rescue efforts were hampered as the flames engulfed the mosque, trapping approximately 40 worshippers inside. Neighbours rushed to assist, but it wasn’t until after the fire had already consumed much of the building that authorities were alerted.
While initial fears of a bomb were raised, police later confirmed that no explosive device was used in the attack.
However, questions have arisen regarding the delayed response from the Fire Service, with officials acknowledging that earlier intervention could have mitigated the devastation.
Meanwhile A 38-year-old suspect has been apprehended in connection with the attack, as investigations into the tragic incident continue.
“In a situation like this, people are supposed to call us but we didn’t get any call from the location until after normalcy had returned,” Mr Yusuf added.
According to the police, the suspect admitted that his actions were motivated by a dispute over inheritance. He stated that he intended to target specific family members who were present inside the mosque.
“What happened is not associated with any act of terrorism, rather it was a skirmish that arose as a result of inheritance distribution,” Umar Sanda, a local police chief, told journalists after visiting the scene.
“The suspect is presently with us and is giving out useful information,” Mr Sandahe added.
Initial reports indicated that one worshipper had succumbed to the attack, but the death toll later increased as additional victims passed away while undergoing treatment at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.
According to the police, more victims, including children, are currently receiving medical attention at the hospital.
Islamic cleric Sheik Dauda Sulaiman condemned the act, stating that killing people while they are praying constitutes one of the gravest sins. He emphasized that besides seeking forgiveness from God, the perpetrator should also provide compensation to the families of the deceased.
The entire village is now in mourning over the tragic incident.