More than 100 people have been killed and scores injured in three explosions during Friday prayers at one of the biggest mosques in the Nigerian city of Kano, today.
The Central Mosque is close to the Emir of Kano's palace and is where the influential Muslim leader usually leads prayers. Also the largest worship centres in the city.
However, the Emir, Muhammad Sanusi, is currently in Saudi Arabia.
According to reports, the exact number of deaths are still unclear as police have not issued a figure yet.
A spokesperson for the Kano Command of the Nigeria Police Force, Mustapha Abubakar, said police were “still taking stock of the actual persons that have died” and could not give clear figures as of yet.
But witnesses say the attack was so massive the number of deaths is in hundreds.
The blast occurred as the Chief Imam of the Mosque, Sani Zahradeen, was about to start the prayers.
The first bomb, which went up outside the Mosque, sent worshipers running in all directions. The blast was then followed rapidly by two huge explosions, witnesses said.
Shortly after the attacks, hundreds of angry youth took to the streets in protest, pelting police officers and smashing government installations, sparking fears the city may descend into yet another round of religious unrest.
Residents said the youth were angered by the late arrival of soldiers and police at the scene because the security forces is said to have arrived after the gunmen had escaped. The operatives then allegedly opened fire after they were jeered by frustrated worshippers.
The riot has been quelled by the police, a spokesperson for the force, Mr. Abubakar, said.
“We have taken care of the rioting youths and already we have cordoned up the entire place and for now calm has returned to the city as people do go about their businesses,” he said
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