Ten worshippers have died and seven others were injured when a part of the Zaria central mosque collapsed on Friday.
The mosque, located in front of the palace of the Emir of Zazzau in Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was first built about 150 years ago.
The incident occurred at about 4 p.m., when Muslim worshippers were observing their evening prayer.
Eyewitnesses said they were in the second prostration (Sujud) when, suddenly, the affected portion of the mosque collapsed on those sitting directly in the section.
They explained that the victims were covered by the debris from the mud (some parts of the wall built with mud were retained for historical purposes).
Meanwhile, the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Nuhu Bamalli, has expressed shock over the incident and prayed for the repose of the souls of those who died.
In an audio interview granted in Hausa, the Emir said they had earlier observed a crack on the wall of the mosque on Thursday.
According to him, they were making arrangements for the repair before Friday’s incident.
He, however, directed all worshipers to pray outside the mosque until the repair work is carried out.
In his reaction, the Chief Press Secretary to the Kaduna State Governor, Mohammed Shehu, said Governor Ubah Sani is shocked by the development.
He, also conveyed the governor’s condolences to the victims and their families, saying a delegation has been sent to the affected.
The victims were later buried according to Islamic rites.
