During a Friday prayer session, a tragic incident unfolded at the Zaria Central Mosque, where a section of the historic 150-year-old mosque collapsed.
This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of at least eight worshippers’ lives, while 25 others suffered injuries. The collapse occurred around 4pm while the worshippers were engaged in their prayers. Survivors recounted that the collapse happened during the second Sujud of the Asr prayer, specifically affecting those seated underneath the compromised section.
The mosque portion that collapsed had been constructed with mud over a century and a half ago.
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Mallam Shehu Nagari, one of the survivors, shared that the worshippers caught under the rubble were difficult to assess due to the chaotic nature of the incident. As of the time of reporting, an accurate count of the victims was still uncertain.
Confirming the tragedy, Emir of Zazzau, Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, explained that a crack had been noticed on the mosque’s wall the previous day, and plans were in place for repairs. He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and advised fellow Muslims to pray outside the mosque until repairs could be carried out. The emir also disclosed that a funeral prayer for the deceased would be held later that evening.
The Kaduna State Police Command confirmed the deaths of eight individuals in the incident, with 25 others successfully rescued. The state Commissioner of Police initiated a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the collapse. Despite renovations, the ancient building, constructed by a previous emir more than a century ago, had remained standing until this tragic event unfolded.
