Eight die as old mosque collapses in Zaria

During Friday's prayer time, a part of the 150-year-old Zaria Central Mosque fell, killing at least eight worshippers and injuring 25 more.

It was discovered that the incident took place at around 4 o'clock while attendees were praying.

Mallam Shehu Nagari, one of the survivors, claimed that the incident took place during the second Sujud of Asr prayer.

He claimed that the impacted area of the mosque suddenly collapsed onto those who were seated underneath it.

Nagari claimed that the only thing he knew was that the affected worshippers were buried beneath the debris because the area was constructed with mud more than 150 years ago.

Nagari stated he was unable to determine the precise number of victims at the time this report was filed.

The victims were participating in the Asr prayer at around 4 o'clock when the event took place, according to Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, who confirmed the tragedy.

“We had earlier observed a crack on the wall of the mosque yesterday (Thursday) and were planning to deploy a team of civil engineers to effect repairs when this unfortunate incident happened,” he added.

Until expressing his condolences to the victims' families, the monarch invited Muslims to pray outside the mosque until repairs were being made. At 8.30 p.m. on Friday, the palace would have a funeral prayer for the deceased, he said.

The Kaduna State Police Command verified the deaths of eight people in the incident on Friday night.

Speaking to one of our correspondents on Friday night, the police spokesperson in the state, Mohammed Jalige said, “Yes the incident happened and unfortunately eight people died while 25 people were rescued after the incident.

“The state Commissioner of Police has directed a full-scale investigation, with a view to unveiling the cause of the collapse. But currently, we know that there was this ancient building built by one of the emirs in the past and it has been there I think for more than 100 years. It was not demolished even after the renovation of the mosque.”

Source