8 Die, 20 Injured As Man Burns Kano Mosque Over Inheritance Tussle

The Kano State Police Command has officially confirmed that eight out of the 24 victims of the Gezawa Mosque attack have tragically passed away, with 17 others currently receiving medical treatment at the hospital.

Initially, one fatality was reported. However, the police have apprehended the suspect, Shafiu Abubakar, aged 38, who confessed that his actions stemmed from a desire for revenge due to a disputed inheritance, alleging that he had been unfairly treated.

However, a resident of the village, Rabiu Gadan, revealed to Leadership that 11 individuals have succumbed to the injuries sustained, with eight already laid to rest and preparations underway for the burial of the remaining three, scheduled for Thursday.

Gadan recounted that Abubakar had a history of violent outbursts, having previously attacked two of his older brothers before turning himself in to the police, claiming he had killed them.

Late Wednesday, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed the death toll, stating that seven more victims had passed away while receiving medical care.

Haruna added that the remaining 17 victims were still undergoing treatment at the hospital. “The victims succumbed to the injuries sustained during the unfortunate incident,” he explained.

Reports indicate that Abubakar had doused the mosque area with petroleum, locked the doors, and set the building ablaze.

The primary suspect is currently in police custody, cooperating with authorities in their ongoing investigation.

Shafi’u Abubakar, aged 38, stated that his actions were fueled by animosity stemming from a prolonged family dispute over inheritance. He claimed that those he accused of cheating him were present in the mosque at the time, prompting him to take extreme measures to voice his grievances,” said the police spokesman.

Sadik Kamal, speaking to The PUNCH, recounted the harrowing experience of attempting to escape as the flames engulfed the mosque, finding the exit doors locked. “It was the latecomers who struggled to open the locked doors to ensure the safe escape of those trapped,” Kamal recounted.