By Sam Kayode
About five people are feared dead yesterday evening as a suicide bomber detonates improvised explosive devices (IEDS) strapped to his body in a mosque in the popular Gamboru market in customs area of Maiduguri.
The market is the biggest in terms of sales of farm product and is patronized by traders from all over the country including bordering countries the lake Chad basin.
The deaths, which was as a result of a suicide explosion occurred at a Mosque inside Gomboru Market were the suspect had sneaked into the mosque, disguised as a faithful during “Magrib prayer” evening prayer session.
Sources within the market community said he was not a regular to the mosque and they could not also explain how he lined up with the others or how he came to the community unnoticed to cause this kind of damnation.
As at the time of writing this report, the explosion had left several residents within the market community injured, while the most fatal ones have been rushed to nearby general hospitals for immediate treatment.
As at the time of writing this report, the military authorities had confirmed that about five people had died from the attack which caused a lot of people to scamper for safety causing massive gridlock around the custom area.
Reaction of the military
Reacting to the incident, the military said that about 32 civilians sustained all manner of injuries from the incident.
In a release signed by spokesman Lt Col Sanni Uba, it went on to state that the incident occurred at about 6pm yesterday, at a mosque located within Gamboru Market in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), while Muslim faithfuls were observing evening prayers.
“Preliminary findings indicated that the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and 2 civilians on the scene.
“Troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other sister security agencies, Borno State Government and NEMA responded promptly, secured, and cordoned off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety.
” Casualties were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for prompt medical attention.
“A total of 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries.
” Regrettably, 2 of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while 2 others are currently in critical condition. The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care.
“Troops and other security agencies have since intensified surveillance and security measures within Maiduguri and surrounding areas.
“Members of the public are advised to remain calm and security conscious especially during the yuletide season. The public is also urged to be on the look out for teenagers with suspicious looks.”
It is advised to avoid crowded places and maintain extra vigilance at religious places, especially churches during the yelutide period. Citizens are urged to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security post.
“OPHK commiserates with the families of the deceased and assures the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”
Reaction from Governor Babagana Zulum
Meanwhile Governor, Babagana Zulum, has condemned, in strong terms, the suicide explosion at the Gomboru market mosque in Maiduguri metropolis Wednesday evening.
Governor Zulum, conveying his profound condolences from the frontline in northern Borno through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship during the festive period.
“I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing 5 people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.
“Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship.
“I wish to express my condolences to the families of all those that lost their lives in the attack and pray for the repose of their souls, and for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he stated.
The Governor further assured that adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach during the festive period and beyond.
He is expected to visit the scene of the explosion immediately he returns on his surveillance tour of military and civil formations in the northern zone of Borno state.
IEDs have been a major challenge in the 16 year old insurgency war which has been fought by Nigeria in the North east theatre of operation Hadin Kai.
