Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has denounced a deadly suicide bombing that struck a mosque within the Gamboru market area of Maiduguri, describing the attack as a direct assault on communal peace and religious sanctity.
The governor’s reaction followed an explosion that occurred on Wednesday evening while Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer.
Security sources confirmed that a suspected bomber infiltrated the mosque, detonating an explosive device that left at least five people dead and dozens wounded.
Moreover, preliminary reports from emergency responders indicated that 35 worshippers sustained varying degrees of injuries and were rushed to nearby medical facilities for urgent treatment.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, Zulum expressed deep anguish over the incident and extended condolences to affected families.
He said the targeting of worshippers during prayers underscored the cruelty of extremist violence.
“An attack on people at prayer is not only cowardly but a deliberate violation of the values we hold sacred,” the governor said.
“Such acts are intended to spread fear, but they will not break our collective resolve.”
Furthermore, Zulum urged residents to remain vigilant, particularly during the festive period, noting that public spaces and religious centres require heightened awareness and cooperation with security agencies.
He also assured the public that security measures across Maiduguri and other parts of the state had been reinforced to prevent further breaches.
According to him, intelligence coordination and patrols have been intensified to protect lives and property.
“I want to reassure the people of Borno that additional steps have been taken to secure our communities,” Zulum said.
“We are strengthening surveillance and response strategies to ensure that residents can go about their activities safely.”
Meanwhile, the governor offered prayers for those who lost their lives and wished the injured a swift recovery, stressing that the state government would continue to support victims and their families.
The latest incident adds to ongoing security concerns in parts of the North-East, although authorities maintain that sustained military operations have significantly weakened insurgent networks in the region.