An elderly Islamic cleric, identified as Ladan Zubairu, was killed on Monday morning at Yusuf Garko Mosque in the Maraba Quarters area of Kano, sparking unrest within the community.
According to residents, Zubairu had gone to the mosque at dawn to perform his usual duty of calling Muslims to prayer. After the first call, he reportedly remained seated inside the mosque, as was his custom, to recite supplications before making the second call.
His son, Isa Kasim, who spoke with journalists, said the attack happened suddenly. He explained that an assailant entered the mosque shortly after the first call to prayer and attacked his father while he was seated. Zubairu died at the scene.
The incident triggered outrage among residents. Witnesses said the suspect attempted to flee but was chased by an angry mob and killed. His residence was later set on fire, creating tension in the area before security operatives stepped in to restore calm.
The Kano State Police Command confirmed the incident. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said officers responded promptly to prevent further violence.
Both bodies were recovered and taken to the Mohammed Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital for autopsy. The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the killing and the subsequent mob action.
Police authorities have appealed to residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators, assuring the public that anyone found responsible will be dealt with according to the law.