Joseph Bakare
The United Nations (UN) has reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting Nigeria in her efforts to deal with deepening security challenges more especially as it affects people in the north-east Nigeria, ravaged by by conflicts.
Nigeria Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator of the UN, Mohammed Fall, who gave the assurance, expressed sadness over reported loss of life in a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, in Borno State in north-east Nigeria, following a suspected suicide bombing attack.
The attack, led to the loss of lives and left scores injured.
Fall said, “I join the Governor of Borno, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in strongly condemning this heinous attack in a place of worship.
“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.
“I also echo the Borno Governor’s call for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures during this festive period and beyond.”
He stated further that, This alleged suicide attack is yet another horrific reminder of the deadly toll of violent attacks in Borno State this year.
On 5 September more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected members of a non-state armed group attacked Darajamal, in Bama Local Government Area. Other incidents have ranged from targeted attacks on communities to attacks on internally displaced persons camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings and other tactics targeting farmers, fishermen, travelers and traders.
He reiterated call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians, including those gathered in places of worship, as well as their property, and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law.
In a report monitored by Oriental News Nigeria, at least 5 worshippers were reportedly killed and 35 others injured when a suspected suicide bomber detonated an explosive inside a mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Nigeria’s Borno state, during evening prayers, police said.
No group has claimed responsibility for Wednesday’s attack, which comes amid heightened security concerns in Nigeria’s northeast, where Islamist insurgents Boko Haram and its ISWAP faction have waged a 15-year campaign of violence targeting civilians, mosques, and markets.
The blast at the Al-Adum mosque occurred around 6 p.m. local time as congregants gathered for evening worship. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as victims were rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the State Specialist Hospital, Reuters reports.
“Nobody knows what happened. It was during prayers that the bomb exploded. Allah has destined that this will happen but nobody can give details of how it happened,” said Masta Dalori, a market leader.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum condemned the attack, calling it “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane”. In a statement, he urged heightened vigilance in places of worship and public spaces during the festive season.
“Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of its sanctity at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship,” he said, offering condolences to families of the dead and prayers for the injured.
Police confirmed the casualty figures and said bomb disposal teams had cordoned off the area. “Ongoing sweeping operations by police EOD are in progress,” said Kenneth Daso, spokesperson for Borno State Command.
He added that investigations were underway and advised residents to remain calm and vigilant.
Last August, gunmen attacked a mosque and nearby homes in northwest Katsina State killing at least 50, according to local officials and residents.