Scores of worshippers are feared killed and many wounded in a bomb and gun attack on a mosque by suspected Boko Haram militants in Nigeria's biggest northern city Kano on Friday.
Gunmen reportedly set off three bombs and then opened fire on worshippers as they escaped from the attack at the central mosque of Kano. At least 35 people have been killed, Reuters reported, though some reports suggest the toll could be as high as 200.
Three bombs exploded near the mosque headed by Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi , which is near the Emir's palace, Xinhua quoted Ikechukwu Eze, spokesperson of the Military Joint Task Force in the state, as saying.
The military officer declined to give official figure of casualties, saying security operatives had immediately cordoned off the area to pave way for a smooth rescue operation by emergency workers.
Witnesses, however, said pandemonium gripped the area as sporadic gunshots followed the explosion, thereby causing fears of heavy casualties.
Security reports said Sanusi was safe, though he was in the mosque at the time of the incident.
(With agency inputs)
