Many worshippers were killed when a suicide bomber detonated explosives inside the Gambarou Jumu’at Mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The attack occurred during Maghrib congregational prayers, according to survivors who said the assailant slipped into the mosque before setting off the device.
Emergency responders and security agencies were yet to release an official casualty figure at the time of filing this report.
One survivor said the blast happened moments after prayers had begun.
“The bomber detonated when the first raka’at of the Maghrib prayer was observed.
Many worshippers are believed to have died, others sustained various injuries,” he said.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
However, security analysts say suspicion is likely to fall on the Boko Haram insurgent group, which has carried out a series of suicide bombings in Maiduguri and surrounding communities in recent months.
Security operatives have cordoned off the area, while rescue efforts and investigations are ongoing. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements as calm is being restored to the area.
