Maiduguri, Nigeria
At least five people have been killed and 35 others injured after a suicide bomber struck a mosque in the city of Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s volatile Borno State. The attack took place on Wednesday evening during Maghrib (sunset) prayers at the Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque, located within the busy Gamboru Market.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the blast as “inhumane and barbaric,” expressing his condolences to the families of the victims. The attack marks a grim start to the festive period in a region that has long been the epicentre of an insurgency by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
“A Desecration of Sanctity”
Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the blast ripped through the mosque while worshippers were in the middle of their evening prayers. Governor Zulum, in a statement issued through his media office, lamented the timing and location of the atrocity.
“Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship,” the Governor stated.
He has ordered heightened security measures across the state, particularly at places of worship and public gatherings, to prevent further breaches during the Christmas and New Year period.
Security Response
The Borno State Police Command confirmed that Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams were deployed immediately to sweep the area for any secondary devices.
- Casualties: 5 confirmed dead; 35 injured and receiving treatment at local hospitals.
- Police Action: The Gamboru Market area remains cordoned off.
- Investigation: Authorities are working to identify the perpetrator and any potential accomplices.
The police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, noting that security operations are ongoing to ensure public safety in the metropolis.
Context: Insurgency in Borno
While large-scale territorial control by insurgent groups has diminished in recent years due to military offensives, “soft targets” like markets and mosques remain vulnerable to suicide attacks.
| Location | Incident Type | Impact |
| Gamboru Market | Suicide Bombing | 5 dead, 35 injured |
| Al-Adum Mosque | IED Detonation | Occurred during sunset prayers |
The attack serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges in northeast Nigeria, despite government assurances that the region is returning to normalcy.
Add Comment