Condemnation has continued to trail the suicide bomb attack on a mosque in Borno State during prayers, which killed about five people and maimed more than 35 others.
LEADERSHIP Friday reports that a teen suicide bomber detonated the bomb strapped to his body in the midst of worshippers at the mosque in Ngamboru Market, Maiduguri, during evening prayers on Wednesday.
An eyewitness, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the blast occurred during congregational prayers at about 6:10 pm, a time when many traders in the busy Ngamboru Market usually gather to worship before returning home.
The eyewitness added that the explosion triggered fire and thick smoke, burning parts of the mosque’s ceiling and causing panic within the crowded market area.
However, confirming the suicide attack, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Nahum Kenneth Daso, said that five persons died in the attack, while 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The PPRO added that the injured were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and other hospitals in Maiduguri.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned the bomb explosion that claimed about five lives and left several others injured, describing the attack as a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation. The Vice President stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the incident. In a statement on Thursday, the Vice President condemned the attack, assuring that the Federal Government is deploying additional tactical teams to the area to track down and apprehend those responsible for the terror attack.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately,” he said.
Vice President Shettima expressed confidence that the security architecture currently in place would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We sympathise with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law,” VP Shettima said.
He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, anchored in constitutional duty, remains unwavering.
Speaker Abbas Condemns Maiduguri Mosque Attack
Similarly, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has condemned the bomb blast that rocked a mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Wednesday, which claimed several lives and injured many others.
The Speaker described the incident as the most barbaric attack on innocent worshippers, who were peacefully observing their religious obligations.
“It represents the height of wickedness and a direct assault on the soul of our nation,” he said.
In a statement by his special adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas stated that the attack was unacceptable at this time and that the security forces were doing their best to address the country’s security challenges.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the government, the people of Borno State, and all Nigerians,” the Speaker said.
Northern Governors Describe Attack As Barbaric
Also, the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has condemned the suicide attack at the Gomboru Market Mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State.
In a statement by his media aide, Isma’ila Uba Misilli, on Thursday, Governor Yahaya described it as a barbaric, dastardly and cowardly act aimed at instilling fear and undermining peace.
Governor Yahaya, speaking on behalf of his colleagues in the Northern States Governors’ Forum, expressed profound sorrow over the incident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of Borno State, particularly Governor Babagana Umara Zulum, as well as to the families of the victims and those injured in the attack.
He described the targeting of a place of worship as a grave violation of human conscience and religious sanctity, stressing that such acts only reinforce the resolve of the region to stand united against terrorism and violent extremism.
The governor charged security agencies and government officials in Borno State not to despair or yield to intimidation, noting that terrorism thrives on fear and division.
He urged them to remain steadfast and resolute in the ongoing efforts to phase out terrorism and restore lasting peace to the region.
Governor Yahaya further called for enhanced security measures, particularly around places of worship and public spaces, especially during festive periods when large gatherings are common.
He assured the people of Borno State of the solidarity and full support of the Northern Governors as security agencies intensify efforts to prevent further attacks.
JNI, CAN Condemn Attack, Say They Are Pained, Saddened
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), under the leadership of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Northern Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have strongly condemned the bomb explosion at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State.
Speaking with our correspondent on the telephone while reacting to the incident, JNI Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, described the incident as terrible news.
JNI, while condoling with the families of the victims, prayed for the quick recovery of those injured.
“We were greeted with terrible news yesterday. The explosion in Maiduguri is utterly condemnable. Maiduguri has been enjoying relative peace for some time now, and we wake up with this sad news.
“We call on the government and security agencies to do more. The government must do more to stop insecurity.
“We send our condolences to the families of the victims and wish the injured a quick recovery,” JNI said.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), under the leadership of Rev. Yakubu Pam, has said the explosion has saddened their hearts, as they condemned the attack.
Reacting, Northern CAN Secretary-General, Elder Sunday Oibe, said taking the lives of people is a sin, as he called on Nigerians to join hands to fight evil people.
CAN said, “We are saddened. The bomb explosion in Maiduguri is condemnable. Taking the lives of people is a sin. We condemn the act of those evil people.”
Oibe, who is also chairman of the Northern Christian Elders Forum (NOSCEF), further stated, “We cannot continue like this. Our hearts are in pain. We condole with the families of those who lost their lives, the Borno State Government and the good people of Borno State. We also wish those injured a quick recovery.
“Let us join hands to defeat these evil people causing trouble in the North and the country. The insecurity is gradually tarnishing the image of the northern region. Our soldiers are doing their best to safeguard this country, and we should support and stand by them to defeat these evil people,” CAN said.
Also, another group of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has called for unity and decisive state action against terrorism.
The chairman of Northern CAN, Reverend John Joseph Hayab, who expressed grief and solidarity with the Muslim community, condemned the dastardly act and called on the federal government to summon the political will to put an end to the incessant killings in the country.
Hayab, describing the killing of innocent worshippers in the mosque as sad, said, “These evil men are bent on causing families and religious places pain. The bomb in the mosque is an excruciating thing to us as Christians.
“We condemn it in its totality and commiserate with the families of those who died, and pray for those who sustained injuries.”
Moving beyond condolences, the CAN chairman framed the attack as part of a broader campaign to destabilise Nigeria.
“These enemies of the country are out to create division, destabilise the country, and make us enemies of one another. Their antics or tactics have been exposed. So we need to join hands to confront them, expose them, and deal with them,” he urged.
Hayab welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s recent designation of violent groups as terrorist organisations but insisted the government must now act without restraint.
“If the government has been handicapped, it should have no mercy anymore. They are known to be terrorists; they have caused this country too much pain, and they should also reap the fruit of their evil work,” he said.
When asked if the security situation had overwhelmed the government, the CAN leader offered a stark analysis.
“I genuinely do not want to see it as if it has overwhelmed the government. I only see that a lack of political will is responsible for what is happening. If they can change gear and be firm, not by rhetoric but by action, these people will be wiped out in the blink of an eye.
“The political will is absent because it seems those doing this evil have the backing of influential people.
However, that reveals they are enemies of the country, so both they and their backers should be dealt with accordingly.
“The government should go after sponsors of terrorists and show no mercy. Even if you kill terrorists but do not cut off their sponsors, more will be recruited. But when you cut off their sponsors, arrest them, and deal with them, then those carrying arms to kill will have no option but to drop their arms and surrender,” he said.
He stressed that the cycle of violence persists because sponsors remain at large.
“Go after their sponsors, arrest them, prosecute them, put them behind bars, and if their crime merits execution, sentence them to death. You will find that this evil will come to an end.
“Our role is to co-operate, see something, say something, and pray for those who have dedicated their lives to defending us,” he said.
Borno Bomb Attack Cowardly – NSCI
Alhaji Yerima Shettima, Convener of the Northern Stakeholders Consultative Initiative (NSCI), has strongly condemned the bomb blast that rocked Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, describing the incident as a cowardly attack against innocent civilians and a grave assault on peace and humanity.
He expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and extended heartfelt condolences to the victims, their families and the people of Borno State.
In his reaction, Shettima said the recurring acts of terror in the North-East are unacceptable and must be confronted with renewed determination.
He stressed that no cause or grievance can justify violence against civilians, noting that such attacks only deepen pain, fear and instability in communities that have already suffered years of conflict.
The NSCI convener called on security agencies to intensify efforts to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.
Shettima also urged community leaders, religious institutions and civil society groups to continue promoting unity, vigilance and co-operation with security agencies.
He reaffirmed NSCI’s commitment to peace-building, dialogue and advocacy for policies that address the root causes of insecurity, including poverty, unemployment and social exclusion.
Boko Haram Behind Maiduguri Mosque Bomb Blast – Army
The headquarters of Operation Hadin Kai, Nigerian Army, has confirmed that the explosion at a mosque in Borno State on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, was carried out by a suicide bomber.
In an update on Thursday, Theatre Command spokesman, Lt-Col Sani Uba, said investigations revealed that a Boko Haram terrorist was responsible.
“Preliminary findings indicate the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians on the scene,” he said.
“The troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other sister security agencies, the Borno State Government and NEMA, responded promptly, securing and cordoning off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety,” the statement added.
Lt-Col Uba said casualties were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for medical attention.
He also confirmed that 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Two of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are currently in critical condition,” he said.
“The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care.”
Lt-Col Uba assured residents of their safety this festive season, stating that troops and other security agencies have intensified surveillance and security measures within Maiduguri and its surrounding areas.
Borno CAN, JNI, BOCCIMA Condemn Maiduguri Mosque Explosion, Seek Intelligence on Perpetrators
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Borno State Chapter, as well as the Borno State Chamber of Commerce, Mines, Industries and Agriculture (BOCCIMA), have condemned in strong terms the Wednesday evening suicide bomb attack at Gamboru Market Juma’at Mosque in Maiduguri.
Describing the incident as unfortunate on Thursday, the chairman of CAN, Borno State Chapter, Most Rev. Dr John Bakeni, regretted that the suicide bomb attack occurred when everyone thought that the era of such attacks was over.
While noting that violence has no place in Borno, the North-East and Nigeria in general, the CAN Chairman, on behalf of the Christian community in the state, commiserated with Muslim brothers and sisters over the attack.
Bakeni, who is also the Auxiliary Bishop of the Maiduguri Catholic Diocese, said: “On behalf of the Christian community, I commiserate with our Muslim brothers and sisters. Still, I condemn the incident that occurred yesterday in its entirety.
“I call on citizens of Borno State to be very watchful, because it has become clear that we are not yet out of the woods.”
In the same vein, the Administrative Secretary of Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Borno State Chapter, Barr. Sa’ad Aliyu, condemned in strong terms the suicide bomb attack at Gamboru Market Juma’at Mosque on Wednesday evening.
Aliyu urged the faithful to fear God and shun acts capable of destroying human lives, saying that Islam forbids the taking of one’s life by another.
“We are wounded by the attack and, at the same time, condemn the killing and the suicide bomb explosion in the mosque. We urge security agencies to restrategise their operations, the way they did before, in curtailing suicide bombing and further attacks in places of worship and markets,” he said.
In his reaction, the President of the Borno State Chamber of Commerce, Mines, Industries and Agriculture, Alhaji Ahmed Ashemi, recalled that some years ago, when incidents of suicide bombing were prevalent, security agencies conducted intelligence gathering through which the bomb makers were located and neutralised.
He urged security agencies to develop a template similar to the one used previously to identify the perpetrators of the current attack.
“If you remember, some years ago, when these attacks were occurring in mosques, what we heard from the grapevine was that there was an intelligence report through which they located the bomb makers and even neutralised them, and for some years, we have not experienced such an attack.
“Now that suicide bomb attacks have resurfaced, I urge security agencies to use the same template they used before to identify the location of the bomb makers and neutralise them,” Ashemi said.
Credit: Leadership