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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A man identified as Shafiu Aminu, has set a community mosque at Laraba Abasawa, in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State, ablaze.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, left 28 worshippers injured.
It was gathered that members of the community were observing the ‘Subh’ prayer when the arsonist struck.
The 28 worshippers, who reportedly sustained injuries, have been taken to Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, Kano.
A member of the community who spoke with newsmen on condition of anonymity, said: “The man poured petrol and lit fire while the people, about 40 of them were praying. He locked the doors of the mosque after setting the building on fire.
“It took a while for the people outside to know what was going on and rescue the victims, who were struggling to open doors of the mosque.”
Also, a resident of the community, Ibrahim Jibrin, said: “I was about going to the mosque when I saw a boy running and shouting for help.
“We didn’t know what was happening before then. This is the third time he (Aminu) will attack people here. He had once hit two of his elder brothers with a plank and reported himself at the police station, claiming that he had killed them.”
He added that the incident may be connected to years of misunderstanding among the family members.
According to residents, Aminu submitted himself to the police after the incident.
However, the Kano State Police Command is yet to comment on the incident.
