Death toll from the iconic Zaria Central Mosque which collapsed during prays on Friday has risen to 12, our correspondents gathered yesterday.
The mosque which was built in the 1830s had for decades been used by Muslims from all parts of the world.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani; speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbass and the Jamaatul Nasir Islam (JNI) have expressed condolences to the Zazzau Emirate and families of the deceased.
The governor in his message to the families prayed for God’s healing and recovery of all those injured in the incident.
He thanked the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, for the fatherly role he played in rallying his subjects to carry out rescue operations, offer assistance to the injured and console families of the victims.
Sani also commended the first-responders, medical personnel and people of Zaria for helping to rescue the survivors.
He urged citizens of the state to pray for the repose of souls of the departed, adding that an advance team of senior government officials led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Alhaji Balarabe Abbas Lawal, was in Zaria to assess the situation and attend the funeral rites of the deceased. “The state government will also order an immediate investigation into the cause of the unfortunate incident.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident. My heart goes out to the families of those who lost their lives and those who were injured. The state government will assist those affected by this heartbreaking incident,” he said.
Secretary General of JNI, Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, in a statement urged the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident.
“Safety measures should be reviewed and implemented where necessary to prevent similar accidents in future. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that places of worship are safe havens for worshippers,” he said.
Aliyu added that JNI stood in solidarity with the Zazzau Emirate during this challenging time and would continue to identify with the Ummah and the entire humanity in seeking ways to help ease the pains caused by the incident.
Speaker of House of Representatives, Hon. Abbass, described the incident as disheartening and devastating.
In a press statement by his special adviser on media and publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, he said his “heart bleeds” as a result of the incident, noting that it was the most heartrending news he received in recent times.
Governors of the northern states have also collectively expressed condolences and sympathies to the Emir of Zazzau, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli and families affected.
Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, in a statement, described the incident as heart-wrenching tragedy which sent shockwaves not only in the ancient city but across the nation.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been affected by this heart-wrenching tragedy. During this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with the families of the victims, offering our support and solace as they navigate through their grief and pain,” the statement released by director general, press affairs to the NSGF chairman, Ismaila Uba Misilli, noted.
General Overseer of Christ Evangelical and Life Intervention Ministry, Pastor Yohanna Buru, also expressed condolences to the Muslim community over the incident.
Pastor Buru in a statement in Kaduna expressed solidarity with Muslims across the northern region, praying for blessings upon those who lost their lives.
“As Christians, we extend our deepest sympathies to Muslims across Nigeria who are affected by the Zaria mosque collapse,” he said.
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