At least five persons have been confirmed dead after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive device during congregational prayers in a Maiduguri mosque on Christmas Eve.
The explosion occurred specifically at the Al-Adum Jumu’at Mosque in the Gamboru Market area of the Borno State capital.
Preliminary reports indicate the attacker was a young boy who disguised himself as a worshipper to sneak into the building during Maghrib prayers.
Witnesses say the bomber detonated his explosives while the congregation was prostrating, instantly killing himself and four others.
According to emergency responders and police officials, at least 35 worshippers sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The victims were evacuated to the Borno State Specialist Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for urgent medical attention. Other survivors are reportedly receiving care at the General Mohammed Shuwa Hospital.
Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, confirmed the incident, stating that the command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit has been deployed to sweep the area for secondary devices.
“The police EOD personnel have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety, while investigations are ongoing to establish the exact cause and circumstances,” Daso said.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and vigilant as security operations continue.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility, the attack bears the imprimatur of the Boko Haram terror group, which has a history of targeting religious spaces in the region.
The incident has heightened tension in the state capital as residents prepared for Christmas festivities.