At least five worshippers were killed and 35 others injured when a suspected suicide bomber detonated explosives inside Al-Adum mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State. The attack occurred around 6pm during evening prayers, as congregants gathered for worship.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes, with victims rushed to local hospitals amid panic. Authorities confirmed casualty figures and launched investigations while urging heightened vigilance in public spaces.
The blast comes amid a 15-year campaign of violence in northeast Nigeria by Islamist insurgents Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction, who have repeatedly targeted civilians, mosques, and markets. No group has claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, raising fears of further attacks during the festive season. Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the incident as “barbaric and inhumane,” highlighting the desecration of places of worship during acts of faith.
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Security forces cordoned off the mosque area and deployed bomb disposal teams to sweep for additional explosives. Police spokesperson Kenneth Daso stated that ongoing operations are in progress to ensure the safety of residents and prevent further attacks. Authorities urged citizens to remain calm and vigilant while investigations continue.
Eyewitnesses reported the suddenness of the blast, describing a moment of terror as congregants tried to escape. Many of the injured were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Local leaders expressed shock and grief, emphasizing the need for community support for victims’ families.
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Nigeria has experienced repeated attacks on mosques and homes in the northeast, including a gun assault in Katsina State last August that killed at least 50 people. Officials have stressed the ongoing threat posed by insurgent groups, calling for stronger security measures at worship centers across the region to prevent similar tragedies.