ABUJA, Nigeria — A man attacked a mosque in Kano state, northern Nigeria, early Wednesday morning, causing an explosion that left at least 24 worshippers injured, including four children, according to police reports.
The suspect, a 38-year-old resident of the area, admitted to targeting the mosque in the remote Gadan village due to a long-standing family dispute, said police spokesman Abdullahi Haruna. The incident sparked panic in Kano, the largest state in northern Nigeria, where religious tensions have occasionally erupted into violence.
Preliminary forensic analysis indicated a gasoline explosion at the mosque, prompting a full investigation by authorities. The police have sealed off the area while the injured have been transported to a hospital in the state capital for treatment.
According to a report by the Daily Trust newspaper, worshippers were trapped inside the mosque during the attack, hindering their ability to escape the explosion. The suspect had a history of targeting individuals in the area related to the same family feud.
“The disagreement over inheritance led the suspect to target those he believed had wronged him, who happened to be present in the mosque at the time,” the police statement revealed.
The motive behind the attack underscores the prevalence of unresolved family conflicts escalating into acts of violence in the region. Authorities are working to ensure the safety and security of the community in the aftermath of the incident.
Efforts are underway to bring those responsible to justice and prevent further incidents of this nature from occurring. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing disputes and conflicts through legal and peaceful means to avoid such tragic consequences in the future.