Inheritance Dispute Turns Deadly: 11 Confirmed Dead in Kano Mosque Attack

Eleven lives were claimed in a horrific arson attack on a mosque in Gadan village, located on the outskirts of Gezawa in Kano State. The assailant, identified as 38-year-old Shafiu Abubakar, set the mosque ablaze during the early morning prayer on Wednesday, allegedly fueled by a bitter inheritance dispute.

Reports indicate that approximately 40 worshippers were inside the mosque when Abubakar ignited the fire and callously locked the doors, trapping them inside. Tragically, eleven individuals succumbed to severe burns sustained in the blaze. Eight victims have already been laid to rest, while preparations for the burial of the remaining three are underway.

Eyewitnesses recount Abubakar’s troubled history, citing previous violent incidents within his family, including assaults on his older brothers. Despite being evaluated at a mental institution and deemed mentally sound, Abubakar’s resentment over his perceived mistreatment persisted, culminating in the deadly attack on his relatives.

The assailant, currently in police custody, has confessed to his actions, attributing them to frustration with the handling of the inheritance distribution. He expressed no remorse, asserting that his pleas for fair treatment had been ignored by his family members.

While the specifics of the inheritance dispute remain unclear, the tragic consequences of the violence have reverberated throughout the community. At the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano, where the injured were rushed for treatment, distraught relatives anxiously await updates on their loved ones’ conditions.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, AIG Umar Mamman Sanda, led a delegation to the hospital to assess the situation. He confirmed the loss of eight lives and emphasized the gravity of the situation, describing it as “really unfortunate.”