Former Vice President Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has stated that killing of trapped worshippers has no place in our revered society while urging the Kano State Government to investigate and fish out the perpetrators of the crime.
Atiku who was reacting to the killing of 15 out of 24 worshippers by a resident Shafiu Aminu who set a mosque on fire in Laraba Abasawa in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State on Wednesday morning, May 15, 2024.
In a statement on Monday, the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the 2023 election, while wishing a quick recovery to the victims, he urged the government to do more for the victims.
“I am deeply saddened by the horrendous arson involving 23 people who were burnt alive while praying in a mosque at Larabar Abasawa in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State.
“This horrific killing of trapped worshippers, and indeed of any other innocent citizens, has no place in our society.
“I share my condolences with families who lost loved ones to this criminal act.
“While wishing the surviving victims a quick recovery, it is hoped that available medical resources will be deployed in their care.
“May Allah accept the souls of the victims, forgive their sins, and grant them eternity according to their beliefs.
“I urge the Kano State government and other relevant authorities to investigate the incident and ensure that the perpetrator of this heinous crime is brought to book.”
Meanwhile, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General election, Mr Peter Obi visited the victims of the mosque fire at the Murtala Mohammed Hospital on Sunday, 19th May, 2024.
Speaking after the visit, the former Anambra State Governor showed solidarity with the victims and extended his condolences to the Government of Kano State, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the people of Kano over this very sad incident.
“Yesterday, Sunday the 19th, as follow-up to my earlier condolence message regarding those who lost their lives in the horrific and devastating terror attack on May 16, 2024, in the Gezawa local government area of Kano State during the morning prayer session, I visited Murtala Mohammed Hospital in Kano to sympathize with those injured and receiving treatment at the hospital. The visit was to physically show solidarity with the wounded, offer support, and wish them a speedy recovery, as well as to thank and encourage the management ofthe hospital. And most importantly, it was to send a message to the victims that we stand together in condemnation of any senseless act of violence and killing in our country.
“Once again, I sincerely send my condolences to the Government of Kano State, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, and the people of Kano over this very sad incident. I extend my thoughts and prayers, especially to the families of the victims. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of promoting peace, tolerance, and understanding in our society to create a safer and more harmonious community for all. For the deceased, may Almighty Allah forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest.”
Meanwhile, Aminu had allegedly sprayed the mosque with petrol, locked its doors, and set it on fire, trapping worshippers.
