- Injures 35 others during evening prayers
Residents of Maiduguri are still smarting from fear and apprehension following the tragic suicide bomb attack that rocked the Borno state capital on the eve of this year’s Christmas
Security reports said a suspected suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) inside the Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque in the Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri on Wednesday leading to the death of at least five worshippers, including the suicide bomber, with a dozen others left injured in the process.
According to eyewitness’ account, the blast ripped through a section of the mosque located within the busy Gamboru Market, causing immediate panic and chaos among traders and residents.
Some of those who witnessed the tragic event said it was a scene of desperation and panic as thick smoke rose from the building, with many people around the vicinity offering assistance to the victims before the arrival of official emergency responders to the incident scene.
Victims were rushed to the Borno State Specialist Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical treatment
Speaking on the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Borno State, DSP Nahum Daso said though the number of those killed cannot be ascertained immediately, about 35 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and were evacuated to hospitals across the state capital for urgent medical treatment.
It was also confirmed that a joint team of security agencies, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, cordoned off the market to conduct a thorough sweep for secondary devices.
According to competent sources, “Security operatives cordoned off the area shortly after the incident to prevent further casualties and to allow for preliminary assessment.”
This is as the Nigerian Army’s Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai, identified the perpetrator as a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber who infiltrated the mosque disguised as a worshipper.
Fragments of a suicide vest were recovered at the scene and the security response saw more than 1,000 police officers being deployed across Maiduguri to secure worship centers and public places for the Christmas festivities.
Reacting to the unfortunate incident, Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that additional tactical teams are being deployed to track those responsible.
On his part, Governor Babagana Zulum has condemned the attack as “barbaric and inhumane,” while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered an immediate intensification of security operations in the state.
For now, authorities have urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, particularly in crowded areas and religious venues, as security forces continue to cordon off and investigate the site.
However, despite information filtering out from Operation Hadin Kai, no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack as if the time if filling this reports, indications are that it might be coming from either the Boko Haram or ISWAP groups that have terrorised the North East region over the years.
Meanwhile, following heightened security concerns across Nigeria in this yuletide season, there has been reports of increased surveillance and tactical measures by intelligence and security services aimed at curtailing potential terrorist activities.
It was also gathered that security forces in Borno are now on a high-alert to prevent follow-up attacks during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
