Bomb Blast at Maiduguri Mosque Leave Many Feared Dead, Others Injured on Eve of Christmas

Bomb Blast at Maiduguri Mosque Leaves Many Feared Dead, Others Injured on Eve of Christmas

A powerful explosion tore through a mosque in Gamboru Ward, Maiduguri, Borno State, on the evening of 24 December 2025 during Maghrib prayers; eyewitnesses reported immediate panic and heavy damage, and local authorities later confirmed fatalities and dozens of injuries.

Overview of the Incident

The blast occurred at approximately 6:10 p.m. local time in a mosque located near the Gamboru Main Market and Customs district, a densely populated commercial area of Maiduguri. Residents described a loud detonation that sent worshippers fleeing into the streets and triggered fires and smoke inside the mosque, complicating rescue efforts and initial casualty assessments.

Casualties, Medical Response, and Official Statements

Initial on-the-ground reporting and hospital intake figures indicate at least five confirmed dead and about 35 injured, with victims taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) and other local medical facilities for treatment; authorities described a mix of blast injuries and burns among the wounded. State police spokespeople were reported en route to the scene to assess the situation and coordinate emergency response, though early statements emphasized that casualty figures remained provisional as rescue and forensic work continued.

Nature of the Attack and Local Context

Eyewitnesses and several local outlets described the device as an improvised explosive device (IED) or a suicide bombing detonated amid congregants, consistent with patterns of attacks in the region during religious gatherings; no group immediately claimed responsibility at the time of reporting. The attack occurred against a backdrop of persistent insecurity in northeastern Nigeria, where insurgent groups have previously targeted crowded public and religious spaces.

Political and Community Reactions

Political actors and community leaders condemned the attack. The Peoples Democratic Party publicly criticized federal security arrangements and called for urgent action to protect civilians, framing the blast as evidence of worsening national insecurity and demanding accountability from security agencies. Local religious and civic leaders appealed for calm, urged support for victims, and called for thorough investigations to prevent recurrence.

Immediate Needs, Risks, and Practical Considerations

Medical capacity in Maiduguri faces strain after mass-casualty incidents; urgent needs include trauma care, burn treatment, blood supplies, and psychosocial support for survivors and families. Security risks remain high in the aftermath as emergency responders and civilians gather, creating potential secondary-target vulnerabilities. Authorities and humanitarian actors should prioritize secure corridors for ambulances, transparent casualty verification, and rapid family tracing to reduce confusion and secondary harm.

Guide for Follow-up and Clarifying Questions

For journalists, aid coordinators, or concerned relatives seeking clarity, key questions to pursue include: What is the confirmed casualty toll after hospital triage and forensic checks? Which medical facilities are receiving patients and what are their contact points? Have security agencies identified the attacker or device type? What measures are being taken to secure the market and prevent further attacks? Answers to these will shape humanitarian response and public safety measures.

Sources and Verification

Reporting for this special report draws on local eyewitness accounts and regional news coverage, including on-the-ground dispatches and official statements from Borno State authorities and hospitals.