* Zulum, Pantami mourn victims, call for heightened security at worship centres
Suicide bomb attack during Maghrib prayer at Gamboru Jumaat Mosque leaves five dead and 35 injured, a painful reminder of increasing violence against Muslim worshippers in Nigeria. Muslim News reports>>
Five worshippers were reported killed and 35 others injured yesterday (Wednesday) when a suicide bomber detonated explosives at Gamboru Juma’at Mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Officials of the mosque said the building has the capacity to accommodate between 50 and 60 people, and that the explosion killed many worshippers inside.
Speaking to Daily Trust, an official of the mosque, who declined to be named, said, “On a day like this, the mosque is usually very crowded because of market activities, and it was least expected.”
The development came at a time when there is increased security in major cities in Nigeria ahead of the Christmas celebration.
How the mosque attack happened – Survivors
Survivors said the attackers sneaked into the mosque and detonated the bomb during the Maghrib congregational prayer.
One of them narrated: “The bomber detonated the explosives during the first raka’at of the Maghrib prayer. Many worshippers died, while others sustained injuries”.
Victims were rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the Borno State Specialist Hospital for treatment.
One of the injured victims at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Hussaini Jidda, said he was standing on the last row during the prayer and he saw the bomber enter the mosque before the explosion.
“I noticed him when he came in. He looked unkempt and suspicious, but before anyone could react, the bomb went off. I struggled to stand on the other leg but I couldn’t. Some of us were rescued and brought here, but many people didn’t make it,” he said.
A relative of one of the victims, Muhammad Yunus, said his stepfather initially survived the blast but later died at the hospital.
“He was brought to the hospital alive. The doctors tried their best, and we thank them, but we accept it as the will of God,” he said.
Relatives at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital said they had counted at least seven fatalities, though the full casualty figure was still unclear.
“From the mosque to this hospital, we have seen seven bodies so far. We don’t know how many more are at the specialist hospital,” one of the relatives said.
The Head of Operations of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for Borno and Yobe states, Surajo Garba, told our correspondent that his team responded immediately after receiving the distress call.
“At the scene in Gamboru market, we joined other partners that included SEMA, the police, the military and the civilian JTF.
“After the scanning around the mosques, we went into action. We recovered three bodies from the mosques. And out of those that were injured here at the specialist hospital, 21 of them, we lost one person.
“All together, we have four bodies and 21 that have been injured at the specialist hospital’s emergency ward. Equally, there are some of the injured persons in the teaching hospital currently receiving their treatment,” he said.
He said the situation was calm, and security agencies remained deployed at the scene.
When asked whether it was a suicide attack as claimed by survivors, he said: “We believed that investigations are still ongoing, but based on the report we received, it was a suicide attack from a young boy who came in with the explosives.”
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Police confirms 5 dead, 35 injured
The Borno State Police Command confirmed five persons killed and 35 others injured in the bomb blast.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, told reporters that the suspected bomber detonated an IED at 6:15 p.m. during congregational prayers around Gamboru area.
The PPRO said five persons died on the spot; while 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
He said the injured victims were immediately evacuated to University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
He said operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and other security agencies were deployed to secure the area, conduct checks and ensure that no secondary devices were planted.
Daso also stated that the area was cordoned off as security agencies commenced investigation into the incident.
Zulum urges heightened security in worship places
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, condemned the incident and called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship during the festive period.
“I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing 5 people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” Zulum said.
According to the governor, “Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship.
“I wish to express my condolences to the families of all those that lost their lives in the attack and pray for the repose of their souls, and for the speedy recovery of those injured.”
Zulum said adequate measures had been taken to forestall any security breach during the festive period and beyond.
Pantami mourns victims, calls for vigilance and Justice
Also speaking, former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic bomb attack.
In a condolence message on Wednesday, Prof Pantami described the incident as “heinous” and “a cruel assault on our shared humanity.”
“This despicable attack, carried out at a sacred time and in a place of worship, led to the loss of innocent lives and left many others wounded,” he said.
“It represents a clear violation of the values of Islam and other faiths that uphold the sanctity of life and safety of worshippers.”
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the injured, and the government and people of Borno State, praying to Almighty Allah to forgive the departed, grant them Jannatul Firdaus, and heal the injured swiftly.
Prof Pantami also commended the prompt intervention of security and emergency responders while urging Nigerians to be more vigilant during the festive season, which is often marked by increased travel and public gatherings.
“I urge citizens to remain vigilant, security-conscious, and to cooperate with authorities to protect lives and property. May Allah expose the perpetrators of this evil act, bring them to justice, and grant our country enduring peace and security,” he added.
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