A yet-to-be-identified man set fire to a mosque in the early hours of Wednesday in Laraba Abasawa, Gezawa Local Government area of Kano state
The arson attack occurred while worshippers were observing the ‘Subh’ prayer, resulting in harm to members of the community.
According to DAILY TRUST, approximately 40 worshippers were said to have been trapped inside the mosque.
The perpetrator then locked the mosque, exacerbating the situation and hindering the victims’ escape.
A member of the community, who preferred to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating that it took some time for people outside to become aware of the incident and rescue those trapped inside.
Eventually, bystanders managed to break open the mosque’s doors and rescue the worshippers.
One of the worshippers affected by the incident has reportedly died according to the Police
Tragically, at least 20 worshippers also sustained serious injuries in the attack and were promptly rushed to the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano for medical treatment.
According to AIG Umar Mamman Sanda who led a delegation of security personnel to the scene of the incident, the arsonist used a bomb to commit the crime
He said, “What happened is not associated with any act of terrorism but rather, it was a skirmish that aroused as a result of inheritance distribution.
“The suspect was said to be not satisfied with the distribution … and was reacting to that. He is presently with us and is giving out useful information.
Out of the 24 that were admitted here, one is dead. It is really unfortunate. He used a locally made bomb to commit the crime.”
He therefore called for calm as the matter has been taken up by the security operatives, adding the state government is doing everything possible to provide medical care to the victims on admission.
This reprehensible act of violence against worshippers has shocked the community and raised concerns about the safety and security of religious institutions in the region.
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