Five Killed, 35 Injured as Bomb Explodes Inside Mosque in Borno
By Odekunle Doyin
At least five persons were killed and 35 others injured on Wednesday evening following a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion at a mosque in Gamboru Main Market, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The explosion occurred at about 6:00 p.m. during Maghrib prayers at Al Adum Jumaat Mosque, a popular place of worship often used by traders and shoppers within the busy Gamboru market.
Eyewitnesses said the blast happened while worshippers were observing prayers, triggering panic and confusion in the area. The mosque is usually crowded due to its location inside the market, which serves as a prayer point for traders and residents.
The incident has shocked residents, as Maiduguri has not recorded a similar explosion within the metropolis in recent times.
Reacting, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, condemned the attack, describing it as barbaric, inhumane and a direct assault on the sanctity of worship.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Dauda Iliya, the governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
“I am deeply saddened by the suicide attack at the Gamboru mosque which occurred during Maghrib prayers, killing five persons and injuring 35 others,” Zulum said.
He described the attack on a place of worship as a desecration of sacred values, especially at a time when worshippers were engaged in prayers.
The governor extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured. He also assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to prevent further breaches during the festive period and beyond.
Meanwhile, the Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident and urged residents to remain calm.
The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Daso, said Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives had cordoned off the area while investigations were ongoing.
“Police EOD operatives are currently conducting sweeping operations at Al Adum Jumaat Mosque in Gamboru Market following a suspected explosion recorded at about 1800 hours,” Daso said.
He added that further updates would be communicated as investigations progress.
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