Sad Update – August 13, 2023
A heart-wrenching incident has unfolded in Zaria as the death toll from the collapse of the historic Zaria Central Mosque rises to 12. Initial reports indicated four fatalities and seven injuries during the collapse on Friday, but the numbers have tragically increased.
Collapse Details and Grim Reality
The 150-year-old mosque crumbled during a Friday prayer session, leaving worshippers trapped in the debris. By Saturday, survivor Mallam Isa Bello revealed that the count had risen significantly: “Another four died later that same Friday, while another four died today (Saturday), bringing the number of those killed in the mosque collapse to 12.”
Interfaith Solidarity in Grief
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) extended condolences to the Muslim community in Zaria and the nation as a whole. CAN’s President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, highlighted the importance of using this tragedy to strengthen interfaith understanding. He urged religious leaders to support each other in times of adversity.
In his words, “We recognise the deep attachment and emotional connection that the Muslim community has with this sacred place, and we share in their grief and loss.” He further emphasized the need for a comprehensive investigation into the incident to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Joint Calls for Investigation
The Jamaatul Nasir Islam (JNI), led by Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, also expressed profound sadness over the tragic event. The organization stressed the importance of thorough investigation to uncover the causes and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Their statement conveyed, “Safety measures should be reviewed and implemented where necessary to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.”
As Zaria mourns the loss of precious lives, the call for unity and understanding between faiths grows stronger, reflecting the nation’s resolve to face challenges together.