Suicide Bombing At Gamboru Market Mosque In Maiduguri Kills Five, Injures 35

At least five people were killed and 35 others injured in a suspected suicide bombing at Al-Adum Juma’at Mosque, located inside Gamboru Market in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday evening.

The attack occurred while worshippers were observing their evening Magrib prayers. According to the Borno State Police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, the police suspect a suicide bomber carried out the attack. Remnants believed to be from a suicide vest were recovered, and eyewitness accounts are being collected as investigations continue.

“The area was immediately cordoned off, and personnel from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit are on the ground to ensure public safety,” ASP Daso stated.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), represented by Surajo Garba, corroborated the report, explaining that a young boy reportedly walked into the mosque carrying explosives. Worshippers praying outside the mosque were among those injured as flying debris and shattered glass spread across the vicinity.

Victims were taken to Maiduguri Specialist Hospital and the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital. Security agents and emergency workers swiftly evacuated the injured and secured the area.

Gamboru Market is one of Maiduguri’s largest commercial hubs, attracting traders and customers from across Borno State and neighbouring countries such as Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. The market accommodates a wide range of businesses including food items, textiles, clothing, household goods, tailoring, food vending, and transport services, remaining active into the night despite official closing times.

This incident adds to a long history of similar attacks in Maiduguri and other urban centres, where the Boko Haram insurgency now in its 16th year has claimed over 35,000 lives.

Sources noted that Al-Adum Juma’at Mosque often hosts large crowds due to its location within the bustling market, heightening the impact of the attack. Police and emergency agencies continue to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding the bombing.