At least 11 worshippers have been killed and dozens sustained injuries following an assault on a mosque in Nigeria's northern Kano state, according to police, Paralel.Az reports citing Tasnim.

A man reportedly sprayed the mosque with petrol and locked its doors before setting it ablaze, trapping around 40 worshippers inside, authorities stated.

Authorities have detained a 38-year-old suspect in connection with the incident.

The tragedy unfolded during morning prayers on Wednesday in the Gezawa area of Kano state.

Eyewitnesses recounted hearing cries for help as flames engulfed the mosque, with worshippers struggling to escape the locked premises.

Local media reported that neighbors rushed to aid those trapped inside upon hearing the explosion.

Following the attack, response teams, including bomb experts from Kano, were swiftly dispatched, as stated in a police release.

However, police later clarified that no explosive devices were employed in the attack.

The Kano Fire Service noted a delay in receiving reports of the fire, stating that prompt notification could have expedited their response.

According to police, the suspect admitted his involvement in the attack, citing a dispute over inheritance and purportedly targeting certain family members present in the mosque.

Initial reports indicated one fatality, but the death toll subsequently increased as additional victims succumbed to injuries while receiving treatment at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano.

Police state that more individuals, including children, are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.