Nigerian president orders probe into mosque attack

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered full scale investigation into bomb attacks on the Central Mosque in northwest Kano that left 35 killed and 150 injured on Friday.

In a statement reaching Xinhua on Sunday in Lagos, the nation's commercial hub, the Nigerian leader reiterated the determination of the government to put an end to the reprehensible acts of all groups and persons involved in terrorism.

The president directed the security agencies to launch a full scale investigation and to leave no stone unturned until all agents of terror undermining the right of every citizen to life and dignity, are tracked down and brought to justice.

He stressed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestation was a despicable and unjustifiable threat to the society.

The president extended is heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Kano State over the attacks.

He appealed to all Nigerians to remain vigilant and cooperate actively with security agencies to win the ongoing war against terrorism.

The police has confirmed the death of 35 persons in the three explosions at the Central Mosque in Kano metropolis on Friday.

At least 150 persons sustained injuries in the three blasts which occurred in different places around the vicinity of the mosque.

The incident happened when many people converged on the mosque for the Friday congregational prayers at about 2 p.m. local time.

No militant group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but the attack bears the hallmarks of Boko Haram militant group that has carried out numerous such attacks in northern Nigeria, including in Kano.

The group has stepped up attacks against civilian targets since the Nigerian military launched an offensive last year. The group carries out almost daily attacks, mostly in the north-east of the country.

The militants were also behind the kidnapping of more than 200 schoolgirls from Chibok in Borno state this year, an act that sparked international outrage.

In September, two suicide bombers killed at least 15 students at a government college and in July, five suicide bombings were carried out over the course of a week. Enditem