Kaduna Mosque Collapse: CAN Condoles Muslims, Seeks Investigation

By Akeem Oduyoye

Following the deaths and injuries recorded when a section of the Zaria Central Mosque collapsed on Friday, 11 August, 2023, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condoled the Muslim Ummah in the state and the entire country

President, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in a statement issued on Saturday, 12 August, 2023 in Abuja, expressed shock over the death of some worshippers, and prayed for their families.

“We also extend our thoughts and prayers to the 25 individuals who sustained injuries, and we pray for their quick and complete recovery. The Zaria Central Mosque holds significant historical and religious value, having stood as an important place of worship for over 150 years. We recognize the deep attachment and emotional connection that the Muslim community has with this sacred place, and we share in their grief and loss.

“In this moment of sorrow, we stand united as one people, acknowledging the importance of mutual respect, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among the various religious communities in Nigeria. Tragedies such as this remind us of our shared humanity and the need for solidarity during times of crisis,” Okoh said.

Okoh, however, commended the swift response of the relevant authorities and emergency services in rescuing survivors and providing necessary medical attention.

CAN president urged the government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation into the cause of the incident, with the aim of preventing a recurrence and ensuring the safety of worshippers in all places of worship across the country.

“We call on religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, to use this unfortunate event as an opportunity to deepen interfaith dialogue by showing understanding. In this way, we can build a society where all individuals, regardless of their religious affiliations, can practice their faith freely and peacefully.

“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace, and may the injured recover quickly. Let us unite, support, and comfort each other during this difficult time,” Okoh said.

Four worshippers have reportedly died after a section of the Zaria central mosque in the state collapsed on Friday.

Seven other people were also said to have sustained injuries in the accident.

The incident occurred when the worshippers were observing prayers around 4 pm.

Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, who confirmed the incident,  said the walls of the mosque had developed cracks, noting that there were plans to repair them before the incident.

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

Bamali, who directed that prayers be held outside the mosque until the repairs are done, also instructed that the funeral prayer for the four victims be observed at 8.30 pm at the emir’s palace.

A survivor, Shehu Nagari, who narrowly escaped from being trapped said the worshippers were in the second “sujud of Asr prayer” when a portion of the mosque collapsed.

Nagari said the building collapsed on those seated directly at the section, killing the four victims.

According to him, the collapsed section of the mosque, which was built with mud, had existed for over 150 years.