In the early hours of Friday in Kontagora, Niger State, a mango-laden truck careened into a mosque just after worshipers had finished Tahajud prayers.
Speaking to Daily Trust, witnesses narrated how worshipers narrowly escaped disaster, with the mosque’s female and children’s section bearing the brunt of the collision during the last ten days of Ramadan.
According to reports, the truck, en route from Bida to Sokoto with four passengers, veered off the road after the driver apparently dozed off, causing havoc outside the mosque.
Yahaya Suleiman, a resident, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost, noting the swift departure of worshipers moments before the crash.
“We thank God. The side where the truck rammed into was female and children section of the Mosque. People had just finished the Tahajud prayers and left when the incident happened. No life was lost but damages were done to the Mosque,” he said.
Passenger Mustapha Sokoto, who was jolted awake by the impact, recounted the experience, thankful that all passengers emerged unhurt.
“When it happened, I was sleeping. I just found myself lying on the ground. It happened around 4am.
“We took off from Bida and we were heading for Sokoto. We were five in the truck; nobody sustained injuries. The owners of the goods were inside the truck with the driver. I didn’t know what happened because I was sleeping at the back of the truck. I was on top of the goods at the back,” he said.
