iDeemlawfulFive people have been confirmed dead, while 35 others suffered varying degrees of injuries after a teenage suicide bomber detonated an explosive strapped to his body among worshippers at a mosque in Ngamboru Market, Maiduguri, during evening prayers on Wednesday.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, said the explosion occurred during congregational prayers at about 6:10pm, a period when many traders in the busy Ngamboru Market usually gather for worship before heading home.
The eyewitness explained that the blast sparked flames and thick smoke, damaging sections of the mosque’s ceiling and causing widespread panic across the densely populated market area.
Confirming the incident, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nahum Kenneth Daso, said five people lost their lives in the attack, while 35 others sustained various injuries.
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The police spokesperson added that the injured victims were rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and other medical facilities within Maiduguri.
He said, “Today at about 6pm, we heard a case of a suicide bomber who attacked worshippers at a mosque in Ngamboru. We found five persons dead while 35 sustained injuries.
“Ongoing sweeping operations by Police EOD as a suspected explosion incident was recorded at Al-Adum Jumaat mosque in Gamboru Market today at about 1800HRS during prayers. Police EOD personnel have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety, while investigations are ongoing.”
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has strongly condemned the suicide bombing that occurred at the Gomboru Market mosque in Maiduguri metropolis on Wednesday evening.
The suspected bomber reportedly infiltrated the mosque while worshippers were observing Maghrib prayers, killing five people and leaving 35 others injured.
Governor Zulum, speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, from the frontline in Northern Borno, expressed deep sorrow over the incident and called for heightened vigilance and strengthened security, especially at places of worship during the festive season.
“I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing 5 people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” Zulum said.
He added, “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.”
“I wish to express my condolences to the families of all those that lost their lives in the attack and pray for the repose of their souls, and for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he stated.
The governor assured residents that sufficient measures have been put in place to prevent further security breaches during the festive period and beyond.