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Worshippers trapped and killed in Mosque arson attack in Nigeria

At least 11 worshippers killed and several others injured after a man attacked a mosque in Kano state. Photo: Courtesy

By Abdirahman Khalif | Thursday, May 16, 2024

Residents reported hearing screams as the trapped worshippers struggled to open the locked doors. Neighbours rushed to help after hearing an explosion.

According to police sources, a man assaulted a mosque in Kano, Northern Nigeria, during morning prayers on Wednesday, killing about 11 attendees and injuring 16 others.

The man allegedly poured petrol on the mosque, locked its doors, and set it on fire, trapping about 40 worshippers inside.

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According to police, the attack was motivated by a family disagreement over inheritance distribution.

"The disagreement was over sharing of inheritance of which those that the attacker alleged to have cheated on him were in the mosque at that moment and he did that for his voice to be heard," part of the police statement read.

They have arrested the 38-year-old suspect.

The incident occurred in the Gezawa area as worshippers performed their dawn prayers commonly known as Fajr salah.

Residents reported hearing screams as the trapped worshippers struggled to open the locked doors. Neighbours rushed to help after hearing an explosion.

Hussaini Adamu told a local television that he saw children running for their lives while burning.

"Some children ran for their lives with fire all over them. We had to put water to quench it," Hussaini said.

Local media reported that the fire consumed the mosque, making rescue efforts difficult.

Rescue teams, including bomb experts from Kano, were dispatched to the scene. However, police later confirmed that no bomb was used in the attack.

The Kano State Fire Service stated they were not notified early enough when the fire started. They believe they could have controlled the situation more quickly if they had been informed earlier.

The attack has left the community in shock and mourning, with local authorities now investigating the incident further.

The incident caused panic in Kano, the largest state in northern Nigeria, where religion-related unrest has happened at times over the years, sometimes leading to huge violence.