Many people are feared dead following a bomb explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Wednesday evening.
The blast reportedly occurred at about 6:10 pm at a Juma’at Mosque in Gamboru Ward, near the Customs area, while Muslim worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayer.
Residents who spoke to Channels Television said several worshippers were killed, while others sustained injuries of varying degrees. Official casualty figures, however, had yet to be confirmed at the time of filing this report.
The Police Public Relations Officer in Borno State, ASP Nahum Daso, said he could not immediately confirm the incident but noted that he was on his way to the scene to assess the situation.
The explosion, which happened less than 12 hours before Christmas Day, has heightened fear among residents, particularly among Christians preparing for the festive celebrations.
Security operatives have cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties and to allow preliminary investigations.
