A bomb explosion inside a mosque in northeastern Nigeria’s Borno State has killed at least five people and left 35 others injured, police said Wednesday, in the latest attack to hit a region long plagued by Islamist violence.
The explosion occurred during evening prayers at a mosque in Maiduguri, the state capital, where worshippers had gathered shortly before nightfall. Authorities believe the blast was caused by a suspected suicide bomber, although no group has claimed responsibility.
The bombing comes as security concerns remain high in Nigeria’s northeast, an area that has endured more than a decade of insurgency led by Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Both groups have repeatedly targeted civilian locations, including religious sites, markets, and transport hubs.
Police said the explosion happened around 6 p.m. local time, triggering panic inside the mosque and surrounding streets. Victims were transported to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital for treatment.
Confirming the casualties, the Borno State Police Command said bomb disposal units were deployed to the scene to prevent further danger.
“Ongoing sweeping operations by police EOD teams are in progress,” said Kenneth Daso, the police spokesperson, adding that investigators were working to determine how the attack was carried out and who was responsible. Residents were urged to remain alert but calm as security operations continue.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as worshippers fled the mosque moments after the blast.
A local community leader, Masta Dalori, said confusion followed the explosion. “It happened during prayers, and suddenly there was an explosion,” he said, noting that details were still unclear in the immediate aftermath.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum strongly denounced the attack, describing it as an assault on both human life and religious values.
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In a statement, Zulum called the incident “barbaric and inhumane” and warned that attacks on places of worship threaten social cohesion. He urged residents to exercise heightened caution in public areas, particularly during the festive period, while offering condolences to the families of those killed and prayers for the injured.
Borno State has remained at the center of Nigeria’s insurgency since 2009, despite years of military operations aimed at weakening militant groups. While attacks have become less frequent than in previous years, analysts say extremist factions retain the ability to carry out deadly strikes.
Violence against worshippers has not been limited to the northeast. In August last year, gunmen killed dozens of people in an attack on a mosque and nearby homes in Katsina State, highlighting the broader security challenges facing northern Nigeria.
Security forces have increased patrols across Maiduguri following Wednesday’s bombing, and officials say investigations are ongoing. Police have not yet indicated whether the attack is directly linked to Boko Haram or ISWAP.