ABUJA, Nigeria – In a shocking incident in northern Nigeria’s Kano state, at least 24 worshippers, including four children, were injured after a man attacked the mosque where they were praying early Wednesday morning. The police revealed that the suspect, a 38-year-old resident of the area, confessed to the attack, citing “prolonged family disagreement” as the motive behind his actions.
The attack, which led to an explosion, caused panic in Kano, the largest state in northern Nigeria, known for occasional religion-related unrest. Police spokesman Abdullahi Haruna indicated that preliminary forensic analysis pointed to a gasoline explosion as the cause of the incident, although a full investigation was still ongoing.
Authorities have cordoned off the scene of the attack, while the injured have been swiftly taken to a hospital in the state capital for treatment. Reports from The Daily Trust newspaper suggested that the worshippers were trapped inside the mosque during the explosion, making it difficult for them to flee. The suspect had reportedly been involved in previous altercations in the area due to the same family dispute.
According to the police statement, the suspect targeted individuals who he believed cheated him out of his inheritance, some of whom were present in the mosque at the time of the attack. The violent act was described as a means for the suspect to express his grievances and have his voice heard in the dispute.
Following the disturbing incident, authorities in Kano state are working to ensure the safety and security of the community, as investigations into the motives and circumstances surrounding the attack continue. The injured worshippers receive necessary medical attention, as the local residents grapple with the shock and aftermath of the violent assault on the place of worship.