Several worshippers were killed on Wednesday after an explosive device detonated inside a mosque at Gamborun Market in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
A security analyst and counter insurgency expert in lake Chad region and West Africa Zagazola makama reports that the explosion occurred while worshippers were gathered for prayers, causing panic and chaos within the busy market area.
Eyewitnesses said the blast ripped through part of the mosque, killing some worshippers instantly and leaving others with varying degrees of injuries.
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Traders and residents in the area were seen fleeing the scene as thick smoke billowed from the mosque, while others attempted to assist victims before emergency responders arrived.
Security operatives cordoned off the area shortly after the incident to prevent further casualties and to allow for preliminary assessment of the situation.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties had not been officially confirmed.