5 feared dead as explosion rocks mosque during Magrib prayers in Maiduguri

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) suspected to have been planted inside a mosque at Gamboru Main Market, Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, exploded on Wednesday evening while worshippers were observing Magrib prayers.

The blast occurred at about 6:00 p.m., causing panic in the busy market area as people rushed to safety. The mosque is said to be a popular place of worship, frequently attended by traders, buyers, and sellers who operate daily within the Gamboru market.

Sources revealed that the market environment is usually crowded at that time of the day, raising concerns over the potential impact of the explosion on worshippers and nearby traders.

There was no immediate word on casualties or official comment.

Province (ISWAP) for nearly two decades which has killed tens of thousands and displaced millions across the northeast.

No group has claimed responsibility, but militants have previously targeted mosques and crowded places in Maiduguri in suicide bombings and improvised explosive device attacks.

Boko Haram launched its uprising in Borno state in 2009, seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate. Despite military offensives and regional cooperation, sporadic attacks continue to threaten civilians in the northeast.