ABUJA, Nigeria – A horrifying incident unfolded in Kano state, northern Nigeria, as worshippers at a mosque were left injured after a man launched an attack during their morning prayers. The assailant, a 38-year-old resident of Gadan village, where the mosque is located, admitted to carrying out the violent act due to an ongoing family disagreement, according to police spokesperson Abdullahi Haruna.
Authorities reported that at least 24 worshippers, including four children, sustained injuries in the attack, which resulted in an explosion causing panic throughout Kano, the largest state in northern Nigeria. This region has seen sporadic incidents of religious-related unrest in the past, sometimes escalating into violence.
Preliminary investigations indicated that the explosion was likely caused by gasoline, but a comprehensive inquiry is currently underway. The police have secured the area for further examination, while the injured individuals have been transported to a nearby hospital in the state capital for urgent medical attention.
Reports from the Daily Trust newspaper revealed that worshippers were trapped inside the mosque during the attack, making it challenging for them to escape. The suspect allegedly targeted individuals present in the mosque at the time, alluding to a dispute over inheritance as the motive behind his violent actions.
“The disagreement over inheritance involved those who he claimed had wronged him, and they were present in the mosque at that moment. He sought to make his grievances known through this violent act,” the police statement detailed.
The situation in Kano remains tense as authorities continue to investigate the attack, with the community reeling from the shocking incident that transpired during what should have been a peaceful prayer gathering. The aftermath of the assault underscores the importance of addressing conflicts and disputes through peaceful means, rather than resorting to violence and endangering innocent lives.