Five killed in Nigeria mosque attack, police say

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria - At least five worshippers were killed and 35 others injured when a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive inside a mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s Borno state, during evening prayers, police said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the Dec 24 attack, which comes amid heightened security concerns in Nigeria’s north-east, where Islamist insurgents Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction have waged a 15-year campaign of violence targeting civilians, mosques, and markets.

Witnesses and security sources earlier told AFP that

at least seven people had been killed.

The blast at the Al-Adum mosque occurred around 6pm local time as congregants gathered for evening worship. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as victims were rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital.

“Nobody knows what happened. It was during prayers that the bomb exploded. Allah has destined that this will happen but nobody can give details of how it happened,” said market leader Masta Dalori.

Borno State governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attack, calling it “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane”. In a statement, he urged heightened vigilance in places of worship and public spaces during the festive season.

“Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of its sanctity at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship,” he said, offering condolences to families of the dead and prayers for the injured.

Police confirmed the casualty figures and said bomb disposal teams had cordoned off the area. “Ongoing sweeping operations by police EOD are in progress,” said Mr Kenneth Daso, spokesperson for Borno State Command.

He added that investigations were under way and advised residents to remain calm and vigilant.

In August, gunmen attacked a mosque and nearby homes in north-west Katsina State killing at least 50, according to local officials and residents. REUTERS