5 killed, 35 injured as suicide bomber hits mosque

TRAGEDY struck Gamboru Main Market in Maiduguri, Borno State, Wednesday evening when a suspected suicide bomber attacked Al-Adun Jumaat Mosque during the first Rakaat of Maghrib prayers. 

The blast killed five worshippers and left 35 others injured.

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the incident, stating that the area was immediately cordoned off while personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Department, EOD, worked on the scene. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the explosion.

Sources noted that the mosque regularly hosts a large number of worshippers, including traders and shoppers from the bustling Gamboru market. 

The attack, first in many years in the usually peaceful city, forced nearby residents to flee, with many avoiding public gatherings amid Christmas Eve preparations.

Reacting to the attack, Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the act in strong terms. Conveying his condolences through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor called for heightened vigilance and strengthened security, especially in places of worship during the festive season.

He said “I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru Mosque suicide attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing five people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane.

“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.”

Zulum extended his condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured. The Governor assured that adequate measures have been put in place to prevent any further security breaches during the festive period and beyond.

Culled from Vanguard