More than 100 people were killed and hundreds more injured
in multiple bomb attacks at the Central Mosque in Kano on Friday, witnesses
say.
The exact number of deaths are still unclear as police have
not issued a figure yet.
A spokesperson for the Kano Command of the Nigeria Police
Force, Mustapha Abubakar, said police were “still taking stock of the actual
persons that have died” and could not give clear figures as of yet.
But witnesses say the attack was so massive the number of
deaths is in hundreds. Some witnesses, who helped with rescue before police
arrived at the scene, said the figures may be as high as 300.
The Central Mosque is one of the largest worship centres in
the city, and is where the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, usually leads the
prayers.
The emir was away in Saudi Arabia when the attack occurred.
The blast occurred as the Chief Imam of the Mosque, Sani
Zahradeen, was about to start the prayers.
According to witnesses, three bombs exploded before three
armed men opened fire at fleeing worshippers who survived the explosion.
The first bomb, which went up outside the Mosque, sent
worshipers running in all directions. The blast was then followed rapidly by
two huge explosions, witnesses said.
Shortly after the attacks, hundreds of angry youth took to
the streets in protest, pelting police officers and smashing government
installations, sparking fears the city may descend into yet another round of
religious unrest.
Residents said the youth were angered by the late arrival of
soldiers and police at the scene.
According to a witness, the security forces arrived after
the gunmen had escaped. The operatives then allegedly opened fire after they
were jeered by frustrated worshippers.
The riot has been quelled by the police, a spokesperson for
the force, Mr. Abubakar, said.
“We have taken care of the rioting youths and already we have
cordoned up the entire place and for now calm has returned to the city as
people do go about their businesses,” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Drop your comments