Nigeria: Maiduguri mosque blast claims five lives, leaves 35 injured

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

Tragedy struck Maiduguri on Wednesday evening as a bomb explosion at a mosque in the Gamborun area claimed the lives of five worshippers and left 35 others injured, police authorities in Borno State have confirmed.

The blast, which occurred around 6:15 p.m. during congregational prayers, was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly detonated by a suspected suicide bomber.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Command, DSP Nahum Daso, told journalists that the explosion happened while worshippers were gathered for prayers.

According to him, five people died instantly at the scene, while 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

“The injured victims were immediately evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for urgent medical attention,” Daso said.

He added that operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, working alongside other security agencies, were swiftly deployed to the area to secure the scene and carry out thorough checks to rule out the presence of any secondary explosive devices.

Following the incident, the area was cordoned off as security agencies launched an investigation into the attack.

The police spokesman urged residents to remain calm but vigilant, advising them to report any suspicious persons, movements or objects to the nearest security formation without delay.

The attack has once again raised concerns over security in the region, as families mourn those lost and injured worshippers receive treatment in hospital.