The Borno State Police Command has confirmed that five persons were killed and 35 others injured in Wednesday’s bomb blast at a mosque in Maiduguri.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident followed an improvised explosive device (IED) attack allegedly carried out by a suspected suicide bomber in the Gamborun area of the Borno State capital.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Nahum Daso, confirmed the development in an interview with NAN in Maiduguri.
Daso said the suspected bomber detonated the IED at about 6:15 p.m. during congregational prayers in the area.
According to him, five victims died on the spot, while 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
He said the injured persons were immediately evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for medical treatment.
Daso added that operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, in collaboration with other security agencies, were deployed to the scene to secure the area, conduct safety checks, and ensure that no secondary devices were planted.
He said the area was subsequently cordoned off as security agencies commenced investigations into the incident.
The police spokesman, however, urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious persons, movements, or objects to the nearest security formation. (NAN)