5:T711,

Over 150 people have been confirmed dead after two vehicles loaded with Improvised Explosive Devices exploded near the Emir’s palace Jumaat mosque in Kano State, North-West Nigeria.

The Acting Commissioner of Police in the state, Sunusi Lemu, told reporters that over 150 others were also injured in Friday’s explosion.

Channels Television’s correspondent reported that the explosion took place while Jumaat prayers were about to begin, describing the incident as ‘hell’ for worshippers at the Emir’s palace jummat mosque in Kano.

The impact of the explosion was said to be huge after the two vehicles loaded with explosives exploded on a nearby road, before attackers opened fire on worshippers.

An an eyewitness also told Channels Television that “the vehicles were parked along the road very close to Qadriya House which is opposite the mosque. People died but I don’t know how many.”

The police said one suicide bomber exploded inside the mosque killing scores of people while the car exploded outside the mosque.

“Some gunmen equally opened fire on the worshippers,” Mr Lemu said.

Meanwhile, three suspected gunmen were burnt to death after being captured by the angry youth.

Mr Lemu, who displayed their weapons, said a unit of armed policemen was in pursuit of the fleeing suspects.

Those who were injured have been taken to various hospitals for treatment, as the Emir’s palace has been completely taken over by the Joint Security Forces.

A spokesman for the Joint Task Force, Captain Ikechukwu Eze, earlier confirmed the explosion.

•Text courtesy of Channels. Photo shows of scene of the blast courtesy of The Guardian.

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