An unidentified man set a mosque on fire in Laraba Abasawa, Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State. The incident, reported by Daily Trust, occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving several worshippers injured.
According to reports, members of the community were observing the ‘Subh’ prayer when the attack took place. An anonymous community member detailed the harrowing event: “The man used petrol to start the fire while about 40 people were praying inside. He then locked the mosque from the outside.”
The attack caught the worshippers off guard. As the fire spread, those inside the mosque struggled to break free. It took some time for people outside to become aware of the situation and intervene to rescue the trapped worshippers.
The witness further described the chaotic scene, noting that it took a while for outsiders to notice the fire and respond to the cries for help from within the mosque. Rescuers eventually managed to break the locks and help the worshippers escape the burning building.
At least 20 worshippers sustained serious injuries in the fire. They were promptly rushed to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano for urgent medical treatment. The severity of the injuries highlights the dire nature of the attack and the potentially catastrophic consequences had the rescue been delayed further.
Authorities have launched an investigation to identify the perpetrator and understand the motives behind this heinous act. The local community remains in shock, grappling with the aftermath of the attack and the injuries sustained by their fellow worshippers.
The incident underscores the need for increased security measures in places of worship and the vigilance of community members to prevent such tragedies in the future.
