5 killed, 35 injured in Maiduguri mosque bomb blast
At least five people have been killed and 35 others injured following a suicide bomb attack at a mosque in the Ngamboru Market area of Maiduguri, Borno State, during evening prayers on Wednesday.
The attack occurred at about 6:10 pm while worshippers were observing Maghrib prayers. An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the bomber detonated an explosive device strapped to his body inside the mosque at a time when traders and residents usually gather to pray before heading home.
The explosion triggered fire and thick smoke, damaging parts of the mosque’s ceiling and causing panic within the crowded market vicinity.
Confirming the incident, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nahum Kenneth Daso, said five persons lost their lives, while 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries. He added that the injured victims were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and other medical facilities across the state capital for treatment.
“Today at about 6 pm, we received a report of a suicide bomber attack on worshippers at a mosque in Ngamboru. Five persons were confirmed dead, while 35 others sustained injuries,” Daso said.
He further disclosed that police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units have cordoned off the area around Al-Adum Jumu’at Mosque in Gamboru Market to ensure public safety, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Relatives of some of the victims recounted harrowing experiences. Ahmadu Mohammed said his brother had gone for Maghrib prayers when they heard a loud explosion. “When we rushed to the mosque, everywhere was filled with dust. Later, we found our brother injured and holding his neck,” he said.
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Another relative, Abubakar Ciroma, said they rushed one of the victims to the hospital after realizing the blast was caused by an explosion. “He is currently receiving treatment,” he added.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has strongly condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric and inhumane. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of the victims.
“I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack which occurred while worshippers were performing Maghrib prayers, killing five people and injuring 35 others. Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of its sanctity,” Zulum said.
He called for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures, especially around places of worship during the festive period, and assured residents that the government has taken steps to prevent further security breaches.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) also condemned the Christmas Eve explosion, describing it as unacceptable. In a statement, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, said the incident highlights the worsening security situation in the country.
“This tragic incident is another painful reminder of the insecurity Nigerians face daily. The protection of lives and property is the minimum responsibility of any government,” the statement read.
The PDP urged the government to take decisive action to address insecurity and commiserated with the families of those affected by what it described as a senseless attack.
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