Bomb Explosion Inside Mosque in Maiduguri Market Leaves Worshippers Dead

Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

An explosion tore through a mosque in the bustling Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria, on Wednesday evening during Maghrib prayers, killing and injuring dozens of worshippers in a devastating attack that has sent shockwaves across the region and drawn widespread condemnation. Witnesses, residents, and security officials say the blast appears to have been caused by an improvised explosive device detonated inside the crowded place of worship, marking one of the deadliest incidents in Borno State in recent months. 

The blast occurred around 6:15 pm local time at the Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque, a central prayer site frequented by traders, shoppers, and families in one of Maiduguri’s busiest commercial hubs. According to police and emergency responders, the explosion happened as the Muslim faithful were engaged in the evening congregational prayer, instantly transforming a moment of worship into chaos and devastation. 

Initial reports of casualties varied widely amid the confusion of the aftermath. Authorities confirmed at least five worshippers were killed on the spot and 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries, with some sources suggesting the death toll could rise as critically wounded victims remained in hospital care.  Witnesses and local mosque leaders put the number of dead at up to eight or more, while other early accounts described scores of prayers and community members being affected. 

Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic and grief as rescue workers, members of the National Emergency Management Agency, and local volunteers rushed to evacuate the wounded to medical facilities, including the Borno State Specialist Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Bloodied prayer mats and debris littered the mosque floor, and distraught relatives could be seen searching hospitals for loved ones amid frantic efforts to provide emergency care. 

The Borno State Police Command confirmed the explosion and said security personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were deployed to secure the site and ensure no additional devices were present. Police urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, emphasizing that investigations were ongoing to determine the precise cause and circumstances of the attack. 

Although no group has officially claimed responsibility for the bombing, early assessments by security analysts and counter-insurgency experts suggest that a suicide bomber may have been involved. Preliminary findings reportedly indicate the device was detonated by an individual who had entered the mosque disguised as a worshipper, raising serious concerns about the breakdown of security screening even during routine prayer gatherings. 

Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, has long been at the epicentre of a violent insurgency that began in 2009 with the emergence of Boko Haram — an Islamist militant group that later splintered, with one faction pledging allegiance to the Islamic State and forming the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). For many years, the city endured regular attacks on markets, mosques, schools, and public gatherings, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and displacing millions of civilians.

While such attacks have become less frequent in recent years due to intensified military and regional counterterrorism operations, the region remains volatile. The insurgency has shown resilience, with militants continuing to use asymmetric tactics, including suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices, to strike soft targets and instil fear among local communities. 

Local residents expressed profound shock and anger in the immediate aftermath of the blast. Many described the mosque as a symbol of community resilience and faith, making it all the more harrowing that worshippers were targeted in what should have been a peaceful setting. Traders who frequent the adjacent market said the explosion not only inflicted physical harm but also deepened psychological trauma in an area where livelihoods and security have been repeatedly disrupted by insurgent violence. 

Religious leaders condemned the attack in the strongest terms, calling it an assault on both human dignity and freedom of worship. A community imam who survived the blast lamented the loss of life and urged authorities to enhance protective measures around places of worship, especially in areas with dense civilian populations. “We gather here in peace, praying for our families and community. To be struck like this is heartbreaking,” he said. 

Government officials at the state and federal levels pledged to pursue those responsible and to bolster security protocols, particularly ahead of upcoming religious and festive gatherings. In a statement, a representative of the Borno State government expressed condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated the commitment of Nigerian security forces to safeguard citizens against extremist threats. 

Human rights organisations and international observers also responded with alarm, highlighting the attack as a reminder of persistent security challenges facing Nigeria’s northeast. They called on authorities to redouble efforts to protect civilians and ensure accountability, while also addressing underlying issues of marginalisation and instability that have fuelled decades of conflict. 

The explosion prompted temporary closures of nearby roads and markets as investigators combed the blast site for forensic evidence. Many shopkeepers and residents were reported to have fled the area in fear of further violence, underscoring the enduring climate of uncertainty in Maiduguri. 

In the wake of the tragedy, humanitarian agencies prepared to provide additional support to the wounded and displaced, including psychological trauma counselling and medical aid. Local civil society groups mobilised volunteers to assist with blood donations and immediate relief efforts, demonstrating community solidarity in the face of profound loss. 

As news of the mosque bombing reverberates across Nigeria and the broader region, questions remain about the motivations behind the attack and the capabilities of insurgent networks to penetrate secure zones. The incident has reignited debates on the effectiveness of current counter-insurgency strategies and the urgent need for renewed focus on protecting civilians, particularly in communal spaces of worship and commerce. 

For the families of those killed and injured, the explosion represents a personal tragedy with long-lasting repercussions. Many victims are believed to be fathers, mothers, and young adults who had paused their workday to fulfil a spiritual obligation, only to be caught in a blast that shattered both bodies and spirits. 

As investigations continue, officials have pledged to share further updates on casualty figures, the identity of the attacker or attackers, and steps being taken to prevent similar incidents. In the meantime, Borno State remains on high alert, with security forces increasing patrols and checkpoints in and around Maiduguri to reassure residents and deter further violence. 

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