The Borno State Command has confirmed the death of five persons and 35 others injured in five persons killed and 35 others injured in a Christmas Eve bomb blast at a mosque in Maiduguri.
The incident was the fallout of an improvised explosive device, IED, attack by a suspected suicide bomber in Gamborun area of Maiduguri.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, DSP Nahum Daso, confirmed the casualty figure in Maiduguri.
Daso said the suspected bomber detonated an IED at 6:15 p.m. during congregational prayers around Gamborun area.
He averred that five persons died on the spot, while 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
He informed that the injured victims were immediately evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for medical attention.
Daso added that operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal, EOD, unit, alongside other security agencies, were deployed to the scene to secure the area, to conduct checks and ensure that no secondary devices were planted.
He said the area was cordoned off as security agencies commenced investigation into the incident.
Daso, however, urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious persons, movements or objects to the nearest security formation.
