Horror in Kano: Elderly Cleric Slain in Mosque, Suspect Lynched by Mob

Tragedy struck the Maraba Quarters Area of Kano on Monday December 15, 2025 morning when an elderly cleric, Ladan Zubairu, was violently killed inside Yusuf Garko Mosque, sparking panic and outrage across the community.

According to his son, Isa Kasim, Zubairu had gone out at dawn to perform the first call to prayer, a routine he observed diligently everyday. “He had just finished the first call and was seated when someone entered the mosque with a weapon, grabbed him, and slaughtered him. In short, his throat was slit,” Kasim told reporters.

Eyewitnesses said the assailant attempted to flee, but local youths quickly mobilized, pursuing him through the neighbourhood. The suspect was ultimately killed, and his residence set ablaze, creating a tense scene before security personnel arrived to restore order.

“By the will of God, the attacker did not escape. Members of the community gathered, tracked him down, and killed him,” Kasim added. Shockingly, residents later discovered the cleric’s severed throat wrapped in a nylon bag inside the suspect’s pocket.

Kano State Police quickly responded to the incident. CSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the recovery of both bodies and said they were transported to Mohammed Abdullahi Wase Teaching Hospital for autopsy.

“Our officers quickly intervened to restore calm and prevent further escalation. Normalcy has now returned to Maraba Quarters,” Kiyawa stated.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, has ordered a thorough investigation into the killing. “We are committed to ensuring that anyone found culpable will face the full force of the law,” Kiyawa said, urging residents to remain calm and provide information to assist with the investigation.

Community members expressed deep shock and grief. One local resident, who preferred anonymity, said, “It is heartbreaking to see such brutality in a place of worship. We call on authorities to protect our mosques.”

The gruesome killing has intensified concerns over security in religious spaces in Kano, highlighting the urgent need for increased vigilance and law enforcement presence.