A deadly explosion rocked a mosque in Maiduguri’s Gamboru Market area on Wednesday evening, killing 12 people and injuring 35 others. The blast occurred while worshippers were observing prayers at the Al-Adum mosque.

Adamu Jibrin, 51, a spices vendor, was rushing to complete his ablution when he heard the loud explosion. “I was terrified by the heavy explosion,” he said. “When I heard the explosion, I knew something bad happened.”

Jibrin described the scene as “disheartening”, saying people were screaming for help but it didn’t come. Mai Zanna, secretary of Gamboru Market association, saw seven bodies when he returned from the hospital with others in critical conditions. “The death toll later rose to 12”, he said.

An eyewitness, Mustapha Fariya, described the suspected suicide bomber as a male aged 18-20 with dreadlocks, who was roaming the street before prayer time.

The Borno state police command confirmed the incident, saying five people were killed and 35 injured initially. Police Public Relations Officer Nahum Kenneth Daso announced resumption of security checks on worship centres and urged residents to report suspicious activities.

Borno State Governor Professor Babagana Umara Zulum condemned the attack, describing it as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane”. The UN also condemned the attack, saying it’s an attack on civilians and freedom of worship. Security agencies are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.