Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, has strongly condemned the explosion that rocked a mosque in the Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri on Wednesday evening, describing the attack as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.”
The blast, suspected to be a suicide attack, occurred during Maghrib prayers at a mosque located within the bustling Gamboru Market, leaving several worshippers injured and sparking panic among residents and traders in the area.
In a statement issued by the Borno State Government, Governor Zulum said the attack represented a grave violation of the sanctity of a place of worship, particularly at a time when Muslim faithful were gathered for evening prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of its sanctity at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of devotion,” the governor said.
He expressed deep sympathy to the families of those affected by the blast and prayed for the speedy recovery of those injured in the incident.
The governor also called on residents of Maiduguri and other parts of the state to remain calm and avoid panic, assuring them that security agencies were already working to uncover those behind the attack.
While condemning the act, Zulum urged the public to remain vigilant, especially in crowded public places and religious gatherings.
He specifically appealed to residents to exercise heightened alertness in mosques, churches, markets and other public spaces where large numbers of people gather.
According to the governor, collective vigilance and timely reporting of suspicious movements remain key to preventing such incidents.
Security agencies in the state have since intensified surveillance and patrols across Maiduguri and surrounding communities as part of efforts to prevent further attacks.
Authorities say investigations are already underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion and identify those responsible.
Governor Zulum reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening security across the state and supporting the efforts of the military and other security agencies in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.
He urged residents to continue cooperating with security forces by providing useful information that could help prevent attacks and protect communities.
The Gamboru Market area, one of the busiest commercial centres in Maiduguri, attracts thousands of traders and residents daily, making the location particularly sensitive in terms of security.
Despite the attack, the governor reassured citizens that the government would not relent in its determination to safeguard lives, protect places of worship and ensure that peace continues to return to communities across Borno State.
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