In a sombre expression of sympathy, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has extended his heartfelt commiserations to the grieving families who lost their loved ones in the tragic partial collapse of the historic Zaria Central Mosque on Friday. The governor's condolences were conveyed through a statement issued by Muhammad Shehu, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, where he conveyed the depth of his sadness upon receiving news of the devastating incident.
Governor Uba Sani expressed profound sorrow at the collapse of the iconic Zaria Central Mosque, a revered symbol of faith and a centre of worship for generations. The incident, which resulted in the unfortunate loss of lives, cast a pall of grief over the community and the wider region. The governor's words reflected the shared pain felt by all those touched by this calamity.
In the statement, the governor reserved his gratitude for Emir Amb. Ahmed Bamalli, the revered Emir of Zaria, for stepping into a fatherly role during this crisis. The Emir's leadership in galvanising the community to take swift action in the face of the disaster, including organising rescue operations and offering assistance to the injured, has been acknowledged and appreciated.
Governor Uba Sani didn't neglect to commend the remarkable efforts of the first responders, dedicated medical personnel, and selfless residents of Zaria. Their courageous and immediate response in the aftermath of the collapse played a vital role in saving lives and offering solace to the survivors. The community's resilience and unity in the face of adversity served as a testament to the strength of human compassion.
Highlighting the government's commitment to addressing the situation, Governor Uba Sani disclosed that a delegation of government officials, led by Balarabe Lawal, the Secretary to the State Government, had visited Zaria to assess the extent of the tragedy and pay respects to the departed. The governor emphasised that a thorough investigation into the causes of the collapse had been initiated, demonstrating the government's dedication to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability.
The Zaria Central Mosque, standing since the 1830s, has historically been a symbol of inclusivity, welcoming Muslim faithful from all corners of the globe. Its significance as a spiritual and cultural landmark cannot be overstated. Governor Uba Sani recognised this heritage, underscoring the mosque's rich legacy in uniting worshippers and acting as a beacon of faith for decades.
In closing, Governor Uba Sani urged the people of Kaduna State to join in collective prayers for the peaceful repose of the departed souls. The echoes of his appeal reverberated throughout the region as individuals and communities came together in solidarity during this period of mourning.
Tragedy struck as a section of the Zaria Central Mosque crumbled, claiming the lives of at least four worshippers on that fateful Friday. The incident has not only shaken the local community but has also left an indelible mark on the collective consciousness of the nation.
In this time of sorrow, Governor Uba Sani's message serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the unity that emerges during times of adversity.