Borno Mosque Bomb Attack: United Nations Reaffirms Support to Nigeria Amid Rising Insecurity
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigeria in addressing deepening security challenges, particularly in the conflict-ravaged northeast, following a deadly attack on a mosque in Borno State.
Nigeria’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the UN, Mr. Mohammed Fall, expressed sorrow over the reported loss of lives after a suspected suicide bombing at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri.
The attack, which occurred during evening prayers, reportedly killed at least five worshippers and left more than 35 others injured.
Fall condemned the incident in strong terms, describing it as a heinous act against innocent civilians.
“I join the Governor of Borno, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in strongly condemning this heinous attack in a place of worship,” he said.
“On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were killed, and to the Government and the people of Borno State. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.”
He also echoed the governor’s call for heightened vigilance and enhanced security measures during the festive period and beyond.
According to Fall, the alleged suicide attack is yet another grim reminder of the deadly toll of violent extremism in Borno State this year.
He recalled that on September 5, more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected members of a non-state armed group attacked Darajamal in Bama Local Government Area. Other incidents, he noted, have included assaults on communities and internally displaced persons’ camps using improvised explosive devices and suicide bombings.
Fall reiterated the UN’s call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian property, including places of worship, and to adhere strictly to international humanitarian and human rights law.
Police authorities confirmed that the explosion occurred at the Al-Adum mosque around 6 p.m. as worshippers gathered for evening prayers. Victims were rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital.
An eyewitness, market leader Masta Dalori, described the confusion following the blast, saying, “Nobody knows what happened. It was during prayers that the bomb exploded.”
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attack as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” urging residents to remain vigilant in public places and places of worship.
Police spokesperson Kenneth Daso said bomb disposal teams had cordoned off the area and were conducting sweeping operations, adding that investigations were ongoing.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes amid renewed security concerns in Nigeria’s northeast, where Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction have waged a 15-year insurgency targeting civilians, markets, and religious sites.
