Nigeria mosque attack kills dozens

The attack took place on Friday afternoon in the Nigerian city of Kano, the biggest in the country's mainly Muslim north, shortly after the beginning of Friday prayers.

News agencies report that at least 35 and up to 120 people were killed, with many more wounded. It's understood suicide bombers blew themselves up in Kano's Grand Mosque, followed by gunmen opening fire.

The mosque is adjacent to the palace of the Emir of Kano, who is the second-highest Islamic authority in Nigeria. Last week, the emir urged civilians to take up arms against Boko Haram.

The Islamist group has waged a campaign for five years to create an Islamic caliphate governed by Sharia law. Thousands of people have been killed in multiple attacks during that time.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for Friday's attack.

Witnesses reported heavy smoke coming from the mosque and palace complex. After the attack, hundreds of angry youths rioted on the streets, throwing stones and sticks and shouting at security officials.

Earlier in the day, police foiled a bomb attack at a mosque in the northeastern city of Maiduguri, days after two female suicide bombers blew themselves up at a commercial center.

jr/sb (AFP, dpa)