Kano, Nigeria – At least 24 worshippers, including four children, were injured in an early morning attack on a mosque in Gadan village located in northern Nigeria’s Kano state. The assailant, a 38-year-old resident of the area, confessed to carrying out the attack out of hostility stemming from a family dispute, according to a statement by police spokesman Abdullahi Haruna. The incident caused panic in Kano, Nigeria’s largest state, known for intermittent religion-related unrest that has occasionally escalated into violence.
Officials stated that a preliminary analysis indicated a gasoline explosion at the scene, with a full investigation ongoing. The police have cordoned off the area, while the injured individuals have been taken to a hospital in the state capital for treatment. Reports from the Daily Trust newspaper revealed that worshippers were trapped inside the mosque during the attack, hampering their ability to escape the explosion. The suspect had reportedly engaged in previous altercations in the area related to the same family feud.
The disagreement allegedly revolved around issues concerning the distribution of inheritance, with the individuals he believed to have wronged him present in the mosque at the time of the attack. The motive behind the assault, as per the police statement, was to voice his grievances and seek justice for what he perceived to be unfair treatment regarding his inheritance. This incident underscores the volatile nature of family conflicts and the extreme measures individuals may resort to in seeking resolution.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident, focusing on unraveling the motive behind the assailant’s actions and ensuring the safety and well-being of the impacted worshippers. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the attack, there is a heightened sense of vigilance and awareness of the potential risks posed by unresolved disputes. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the destructive impact of unresolved grievances on individuals and communities, highlighting the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and communication in preventing such tragic events.