Many people are feared dead following a bomb explosion that rocked parts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Wednesday evening.
Channels Television reports that the incident occurred at about 6:10 p.m., less than 12 hours to Christmas, when suspected Boko Haram insurgents allegedly detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a Juma’at Mosque in Gamboru Ward, near the Customs area of the city.
The blast happened while Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer, triggering panic in the densely populated neighbourhood.
Although official details remain unclear, residents said that several worshippers were killed, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries. Victims were reportedly rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency medical treatment.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Borno State, ASP Nahum Daso, said he could not immediately confirm the incident but disclosed that he was on his way to the scene to assess the situation.
The explosion has heightened fear among residents, particularly within the Christian community preparing for the 2025 Christmas celebrations.
Meanwhile, security operatives have cordoned off the affected area to prevent further casualties and to enable a preliminary assessment and investigation of the incident.