A horrific act of violence shattered the peace of dawn prayers in Kano State on Monday, December 15, leaving a community in mourning and shock. The incident, which resulted in two deaths, unfolded at a mosque in the Hotoro Maraba area of Tarauni Local Government.
Dawn Prayer Turned Deadly
According to accounts from the community, the tragedy occurred in the early hours of the morning as worshippers gathered for the Asuba prayer. The victim, Malam Kasim, was in the process of calling the Adhan (the Islamic call to prayer) inside the mosque when he was allegedly attacked. The assailant reportedly slit his throat, killing him within the mosque premises.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of sudden terror that disrupted the normally serene atmosphere of the early morning. The brutal assault left other worshippers and residents deeply traumatized, triggering widespread panic across Hotoro Maraba.
Angry Youths Mete Out Instant Justice
In the volatile aftermath of the killing, the situation escalated rapidly. Angry youths from the neighborhood reportedly apprehended the suspected attacker. The community's fury culminated in a reprisal attack, leading to the suspect being killed at the scene.
This act of mob justice highlighted the intense emotions and breakdown of order following the initial crime. The twin deaths within a short span threw the entire area into a state of confusion, anger, and profound disbelief.
A Family's Grief and Community Trauma
The victim's daughter, Maryam Kasim, confirmed the heartbreaking loss. She recounted the moment her family discovered Malam Kasim's body at the mosque. "We discovered our father's body in the mosque. There were clear signs of a struggle, and the entire community was thrown into fear," she said, painting a picture of the trauma inflicted on the family and the locality.
In response to the crisis, security operatives were deployed to Hotoro Maraba. Their primary mission was to prevent any further outbreak of violence and restore calm to the agitated community. As of the time of reporting, authorities have not released an official statement, but investigations into the circumstances surrounding both deaths are expected to commence.
