• Northern governors condemn attack

From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri

More than 12 people have been buried hours after a suicide bomb attack on a mosque in a crowded local market in Maiduguri, Borno State capital on the even of Christmas day.

A deadly explosion caused by a suicide bomber, who detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at Al-Adum Juma’at Mosque, Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, on Wednesday evening, resulted in the death of five worshippers.

The army has confirmed that suicide bomber caused the explosion at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri.

Operation Hadin Kai headquarters in a statement by the Media Information Officer, HQ JTF (NE) OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said preliminary findings indicated that a suspected Boko Haram terrorist detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians at the scene.

“The troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other security agencies, the Borno State Government and NEMA, responded promptly, secured the area and cordoned off the affected location to prevent further harm.”

The Army revealed that 32 civilians sustained injuries, with two confirmed dead later at the hospitals, while two remain in critical condition.

The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care.

The Army reassured residents of their safety during the festive season, noting that security agencies had intensified surveillance and protective measures across Maiduguri and surrounding areas.

The Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Mohammed, told journalists the suicide bomber sneaked into the mosque as worshippers went in to observe the sunset prayer.

“We have just done the first Rakaat (unit) of the Maghrib prayer when we heard a loud sound. We later realised it was a suicide bomber that caused the explosion,” the Imam disclosed.

The police in a statement yesterday put the casualty figure at five with 35 worshippers injured.

“The Commissioner of Police, Borno State, condemns the bomb explosion recorded yesterday at Al-Adum Juma’at Mosque, Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, which resulted in the death of five persons and 35 injured persons,” the Police spokesman, Nahum Daso, disclosed in the statement.

However, community members confirmed that 12 people were buried yesterday at noon after an Islamic funeral rites.

“We have just buried 12 people today after the funeral prayer. It is very sad but Allah knows better and allowed it to happen. May God forgive their sins,” Ibrahim Saleh, a relative of one of the deceased disclosed.

A security guard at the mosque, Garba Abba Aji, confirmed that five people died at the scene but more casualties were recorded among the seriously injured victims, putting the death toll at 12.

Governor Babagana Zulum who is on a tour of the northern part of the state condemned the attack. He pledged the readiness of the state government to partner with the military and security agencies to improve the security situation in the state.

Northern States Governors’ Forum has condemned the suicide attack.

The Chairman, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, on behalf of his colleagues, sympathised with victims of the attack.

Yahaya, in a statement, described the attack as a barbaric, dastardly and cowardly act aimed at instilling fear and undermining peace.

He expressed sorrow over the incident, extending condolences to the government and people of Borno.

He described targeting a place of worship as a grave violation of human conscience and religious sanctity, stressing that such acts only reinforce the resolve of the region to stand united against terrorism and violent extremism.

He called for enhanced security measures, particularly around places of worship and public spaces, especially during festive periods when large gatherings are common.

He assured the people of Borno of the solidarity and full support of the Northern Governors as security agencies intensify efforts to prevent further attacks.

“We pray that Almighty Allah grants eternal rest in Aljannatul Firdaus to the souls of those who lost their lives, comforts their families and grants speedy recovery to the injured,” he said.

He also prayed for continued strength and wisdom for the leadership of Borno under Gov. Babagana Zulum as it confronts security challenges with courage and resilience.

He reiterated the collective determination of Northern states to work together in support of peace, security and the protection of innocent lives, stressing that acts of terror would not break the spirit or unity of the region.

The attack during Maghrib prayers claimed the lives of five worshippers and left at least 35 others injured.

A suspected suicide bomber reportedly infiltrated the mosque at the height of the prayers, turning a sacred moment of devotion into a scene of grief and anguish.