Malik Yahya/
An explosion ripped through a mosque in the Gamboru Main Market area of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Wednesday evening as Muslim worshippers gathered for their Maghrib (evening) prayers.
The blast occurred at around 6.10pm local time at a Juma’at mosque in the heart of the busy commercial district, eyewitnesses said.
Thick smoke was seen rising from the structure immediately after the detonation, prompting panic and a frantic rescue effort by traders, residents and emergency responders.
Casualty figures remain unconfirmed, and there are discrepancies in early reports.
Some local sources have indicated that at least seven worshippers were killed, while other eyewitness accounts suggest the toll could be higher.
Many more are believed to have sustained injuries of varying severity.
Security operatives quickly cordoned off the scene to allow rescue operations and initial investigations.
As of publication, neither the Borno State Police Command nor military officials have issued an official casualty count or statement on the cause of the explosion.
No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Maiduguri and other parts of Borno State have long faced violence linked to insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have previously targeted crowded public places including markets and places of worship.
Residents in the area expressed shock and fear as the incident unfolded, with many describing the moment of the blast as reminiscent of earlier years of violent conflict in the region.
Emergency services have been overwhelmed with casualties, and local hospitals are reported to be treating the wounded.
Further details are awaited as security agencies continue their response and investigation.
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