KADUNA (NIGERIA) – More than ten people were reported dead and several seriously injured when the roof of a mosque collapsed in Zaria.
The incident occurred at 4 p.m. local time as worshippers were offering the Asar prayer.
Witnesses of the incident confirmed that they were performing the second Sujud prayer (2nd Rakah) when suddenly the upper part of the mosque collapsed and fell directly on the worshippers.
The worshipers were then covered in dust and debris. The mosque had existed in the area for over 150 years.
The emir of the mosque had also informed the local authorities about a possible crack in the walls of the mosque on Thursday.
He then asked worshippers to pray outside until the work was completed.
According to Islamic rites, the victims were later buried.
This is the latest in a series of collapsed buildings across the country. The cause of the latest incident remains unknown, although experts have repeatedly blamed poor construction materials and unprofessionalism, among other factors.
