- 11 worshippers killed and dozens injured in a mosque attack
- The attacker allegedly locked the mosque doors and set it on fire
- Police have arrested a suspect
At least 11 individuals lost their lives and numerous others sustained injuries in a tragic incident as assailants targeted a mosque in Nigeria’s northern Kano state, as per authorities.
A man, allegedly embroiled in a family feud over inheritance, purportedly doused the mosque with petrol, barricaded its entrances, and set it ablaze, resulting in the entrapment of approximately 40 worshippers during morning prayers in the Gezawa area.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of horror as flames engulfed the sacred space, with worshippers’ cries for help echoing amidst locked doors. Prompt intervention by neighbors helped rescue some trapped inside.
Responding to the crisis, law enforcement dispatched rescue teams, dispelling initial fears of a bomb attack. The suspect, a 38-year-old individual, was apprehended and reportedly confessed to targeting specific family members within the mosque.
Authorities emphasized that the incident was not terror-related but rather stemmed from a domestic dispute. However, the toll mounted as more victims succumbed to their injuries at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.
While investigations continue, the tragedy underscores the volatility that can arise from familial conflicts, leaving a community grappling with grief and questions about safety and security during worship.
