…as CAN, JNI, others mourn victims
Death toll from the Zaria Central Mosque, which collapsed on Friday, rose to 12 yesterday. The new development followed the death of some of the injured victims who were earlier rescued from the site.
The victims were observing the Asr (evening prayer) when the building collapsed at about 4 pm.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Jamaatul Nasir Islam (JNI) and the Kaduna state Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, were among the individuals and groups who expressed sympathy for the dead and the injured victims of the incident in different statements yesterday.
In a statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, yesterday, the body described the death of worshippers in the collapsed mosque as shocking and unfortunate.
“We, at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) extend our heartfelt condolences to the Muslim Ummah in Zaria and the entire nation following the tragic loss of lives and injuries following the collapse of a section of the historic Zaria Central Mosque during Friday’s prayer session,” the statement said.
“It is with shock that we received the news of the untimely demise of at least 10 worshippers, and we offer our sincere prayers and condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.
“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 recognise 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.”
Death toll from the Zaria Central Mosque, which collapsed on Friday, rose to 12 yesterday. The new development followed the death of some of the injured victims who were earlier rescued from the site.
The victims were observing the Asr (evening prayer) when the building collapsed at about 4 pm.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Jamaatul Nasir Islam (JNI) and the Kaduna state Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, were among the individuals and groups who expressed sympathy for the dead and the injured victims of the incident in different statements yesterday.
In a statement issued by CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, yesterday, the body described the death of worshippers in the collapsed mosque as shocking and unfortunate.
“We, at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) extend our heartfelt condolences to the Muslim Ummah in Zaria and the entire nation following the tragic loss of lives and injuries following the collapse of a section of the historic Zaria Central Mosque during Friday’s prayer session,” the statement said.
“It is with shock that we received the news of the untimely demise of at least 10 worshippers, and we offer our sincere prayers and condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this unfortunate incident.
“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 recognise 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.”
CAN commended the swift response of the relevant authorities and emergency services in rescuing survivors and providing necessary medical attention.
Okoh urged government and all relevant stakeholders to ensure a thorough investigation into the causes of the incident with a view to preventing such accidents in the future and ensuring the safety of worshippers in all places of worship across the country.
The religious body called on religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, to use the unfortunate event as an opportunity to deepen interfaith dialogue by showing understanding.
Okoh said: “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. May God grant us all strength and peace.”
In a statement issued by its Secretary General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, the JNI called upon the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to determine the causes of the tragic incident. According to him, “safety measures should be reviewed and implemented where necessary to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that places of worship are safe havens for worshippers.”
Prof. Aliyu added that JNI “stands in solidarity with the Zazzau Emirate during this challenging time. We will continue to identify with the Ummah and the entire humanity, seeking for ways to help ease the pain caused by this tragic incident.”
