The Kano State Police Command has confirmed that among the 24 victims of the Gezawa Mosque attack, eight have lost their lives, while 17 others are currently undergoing treatment in hospital. Initially, one fatality was reported, but the authorities have since apprehended the suspect, 38-year-old Shafiu Abubakar, who has confessed to the crime, citing retaliation over a disputed inheritance where he felt wronged.
As per a local resident named Rabiu Gadan, 11 individuals have tragically succumbed to their injuries, with eight already laid to rest and three awaiting burial arrangements. Gadan also mentioned prior instances of violence involving the suspect, including assaults on his older siblings, for which he had turned himself in to the authorities, claiming responsibility for their deaths.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, confirmed late Wednesday that seven more victims had passed away while receiving treatment, with 17 still under medical care.
Haruna clarified that the victims had died as a result of the injuries sustained during the incident. Reports indicate that Abubakar sprayed the mosque vicinity with petroleum, locked the doors, and set fire to the building. The main suspect is currently in police custody, cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Shafi’u Abubakar admitted that his actions were driven by animosity stemming from a prolonged family dispute over inheritance. He alleged that those whom he accused of cheating him were present in the mosque at the time, prompting him to resort to violence to air his grievances, as relayed by the police spokesperson.
Sadik Kamal recounted his harrowing experience attempting to escape the engulfing flames of the mosque, only to find the exit doors firmly locked. He noted that it was the belated arrivals who managed to unlock the doors, enabling some trapped individuals to flee to safety.
