ASuspected suicide bomber was said to have sneaked into the Al-Adun Jumaat Mosque, Gamboru Main Market in Maiduguri, Borno State, when Muslim worshippers were performing their magrib prayers on Wednesday, detonated a bomb, killing at least five people on the spot and injuring 35 others.
The Borno State Police Command has confirmed the incident.
Although the Police Command, in a statement by its Spokesman, ASP Kenneth Daso, did not give the number of casualties, it insisted that the “area was immediately cordoned off as its personnel from the Explosive Ordnances Department (EOD) were on the ground to ensure public safety, as investigations are ongoing to determine the root cause of the unfortunate blast”.
Sources said the mosque usually hosts many people, including traders and sellers who patronize the Gamboru market daily.
Our Correspondent observed that this explosion targeting a worship center is the latest, as it has been many years since Maiduguri residents witnessed any bomb blast within the peaceful city.
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has condemned, in strong terms, the suicide attack at Gomboru market mosque in Maiduguri metropolis on Wednesday evening.
Governor Zulum, conveying his profound condolences from the frontline in northern Borno through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship during the festive period.
“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 who 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 that adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach during the festive period and beyond.