5 killed, 15 injured in Maiduguri bomb blast — Police

The Borno State Police Command has confirmed five persons dead and 35 others injured in the bomb blast at a mosque in Maiduguri, the state capital.

The incident was sequel to an improvised explosive device (IED) attack by a suspected suicide bomber in Gamborun area of Maiduguri on Wednesday.

Confirmed the incident, the Borno State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nahum Daso, said the suspected bomber detonated an IED at 6:15 p.m. during congregational prayers around Gamborun.

Daso disclosed that five persons died on the spot, while 35 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

He said the injured victims were immediately rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for medical attention.

Video: Explosion hits Mosque in Maiduguri market

Daso added that operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, alongside other security agencies, were deployed to the scene to secure the area, conduct checks, and ensure that no secondary devices were planted.

He said the area was cordoned off as security agencies commenced an investigation into the incident.

The police spokesman, however, urged residents to remain calm and vigilant, and to promptly report any suspicious persons, movements or objects to the nearest security formation.

The Star