A somber atmosphere descended upon Zaria city on Friday evening when tragedy struck the Zaria Central Mosque, claiming the lives of four individuals.
The heart-wrenching incident unfolded during the Asr (evening) prayer at around 4 pm, leaving the community in deep shock and mourning.
The victims, who had gathered to fulfill their religious obligations, were caught off guard as the mosque’s structure suddenly gave way.
Despite immediate efforts to rescue those trapped under the debris, four lives were tragically lost. This incident has cast a heavy shadow of grief over not only the local community but also beyond.
Mallam Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, officially confirmed this unfortunate event. In light of the calamity, he announced that future prayers would be conducted outside the mosque until further notice.
Visibly shaken, the Emir extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and the broader congregation affected by this heartrending tragedy.
Simultaneously, the Emir displayed strong leadership by promptly issuing directives regarding the funeral arrangements for the victims.
He declared that the funeral prayer for all those who had passed away would be held at his palace, uniting the community in mourning and to pay their respects.
The somber event was scheduled to take place at 8:30 pm, providing a solemn space for friends, family, and fellow worshippers to come together in fond remembrance.
The Emir further revealed that a crack had been noticed in the mosque’s wall the day before, indicating a potential concern with the building’s structural integrity.
Plans were already underway to dispatch a team of civil engineers to assess and repair the damage before the unforeseen tragedy occurred.
As the community grapples with the loss and endeavors to come to terms with the events of that fateful evening, the Emir’s decision to temporarily conduct prayers outside the mosque underscores the paramount importance placed on the safety and well-being of the worshippers.
