The Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa’kamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS) Friday Mosque in Kankia Local Government Area of Katsina State has been officially closed due to severe flooding that submerged the building.
The mosque, located in Layi Quarters, has served worshippers for over four decades since its construction around 1985.
The closure was announced by Sheikh Khalil Kasim, who stated that Friday congregational prayers would now be held at Masjid Ibn Taymiyya in Gurara, which had previously served as a five-daily-prayer mosque.
“The mosque, until further notice, will no longer be opened for prayer observations, as a result of the flood that submerged the mosque,” Sheikh Khalil said.
The decision to suspend all prayers at the mosque—both Friday and the five daily obligatory prayers—was made after consultations involving Alhaji Umaru Bature, the JIBWIS Chairman in Kankia, the Chief Imam, Malam Tasiu Umar, and the Chairman of the Mosque Committee, Malam Alkhamis Rabiu.
According to Alhaji Bature, experts advised the closure due to the safety risks posed by the building’s compromised foundation.
He emphasized that the mosque, being a one-storey structure, is at high risk of collapse due to deep water penetration caused by the recent flood.
“This is not just about water damage. The entire structure is unsafe.
The building could collapse at any time, either now or after the rainy season,” he said.
Bature also made a public appeal for financial support from individuals, Muslim faithful, and corporate organizations within and outside Nigeria, noting that the mosque is set to be demolished and reconstructed.
He confirmed that a new architectural design has already been prepared for the proposed structure.
“We welcome contributions from anyone willing to support the cause of Allah.
We already have a new building design for those interested in helping with the reconstruction,” he added.
The recent flood has had devastating effects across Kankia town, reportedly displacing hundreds of residents and causing damage to property worth billions of Naira.
This marks the first time in 40 years that the town has witnessed such severe flooding.
