Regional News

Worshippers Locked In Nigeria Mosque And Set On Fire.

At least 11 worshipers have been killed and dozens others injured after a man attacked a mosque in Nigeria’s northern Kano state, police say.

A man allegedly sprayed the mosque with petrol and locked its doors before setting it on fire, trapping about 40 worshipers, they said.

The attack was triggered by a family dispute over the sharing of inheritance.

Police say they have arrested a 38-year-old suspect.

The incident happened when people were attending morning prayers on Wednesday in Gezawa area of Kano state.

Residents said flames engulfed the mosque after the attack with worshipers heard wailing as they struggled to open the locked doors.

After hearing the explosion, neighbors rushed to help those trapped inside, local media reported.

Rescue teams including bomb experts from the city of Kano were immediately deployed in response to the attack, a police statement said.

Police later confirmed that a bomb was not used in the attack.

The Fire Service in Kano said they were not called immediately after the fire started, adding that they could have brought the situation under control much faster.

Kano Fire Service spokesman Saminu Yusuf told the BBC that they were only informed after locals had already put out the fire.

“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.

Police said the suspect confessed that his actions were part of a dispute over inheritance, claiming he was targeting some family members who were 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 said one worshipper had died from the attack but the death toll later rose after more victims died while receiving treatment at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.

More victims, including children, are still receiving treatment at the hospital, according to police.

Islamic cleric Sheik Dauda Sulaiman says killing people while they’re praying is one of the biggest sins possible and that apart from repenting to God, the culprit should pay blood money to the families of those that died.

The whole village is now in mourning.

Advertisement.

Related posts

The Crisis in Judiciary.

admin

Kenyan President dissolves his cabinet

ndiwalanakiwa@gmail.com

Speaker Among Responds To President Museveni’s Letter About The UK Property.

admin

Unknown flu-like disease kills at least 79 people in D.R. Congo

ndiwalanakiwa@gmail.com

Tanzania court charges main opposition party leader with treason

ndiwalanakiwa@gmail.com

Congo drops demand for immediate Rwandan troop pullout

ndiwalanakiwa@gmail.com

Speaker Among To Hold Private Meeting With Pope Francis

Dean Lubowa Saava

Uganda Martyrs Day Celebrations, Some Trekking Pilgrims Have Already Arrived.

admin

BREAKING: Napoli Told Arsenal That They’re Ready To Sell Victor Osimhen But On ONE Condition – Mikel Arteta Isn’t Happy With The Condition Yet Edu Doesn’t Want To Miss The Opportunity To Sign The Striker

Dean Lubowa Saava

DRC Conflict: South African and Rwandan Presidents Demand End to Violence

Dean Lubowa Saava

Leave a Comment