Tragedy struck Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Wednesday evening as a suicide bomber targeted worshippers at the Gambarou Jumu’at Mosque during Maghrib prayers.
According to eyewitness accounts, the attacker quietly entered the mosque and set off an explosive device just as congregants were observing the first unit of the prayer. The blast reportedly claimed several lives, while many others were left injured.
A survivor, quoted by Daily Trust, said the explosion occurred at the peak of the prayer session, throwing the mosque into chaos as worshippers struggled to escape.
Although no group has officially taken responsibility for the attack, security sources believe it bears the hallmark of Boko Haram, which has intensified suicide bombings and other violent assaults in parts of Borno in recent months.
The incident comes barely days after another suicide attack in Pulka town, Gwoza Local Government Area, on December 17. In that attack, a bomber struck a military checkpoint, killing five soldiers along with several civilians.
Sources said the attacker, suspected to be affiliated with the Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), had reportedly taken cover in the Mandara Mountains before executing the operation. He was said to have spent the night near the checkpoint and blended in with commuters when the road was reopened in the morning, before detonating the explosive.
The back-to-back attacks have raised fresh concerns about a possible resurgence of extremist violence in Borno State.
Do you think Nigeria is experiencing a renewed wave of insecurity? What steps should authorities take to better safeguard worship centres and local communities from such attacks? Share your views in the comments.
