A horrific explosion tore through a mosque in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on the evening of Wednesday, December 24, 2025, leaving a trail of death and injury among Muslim worshippers. The suspected improvised explosive device (IED) detonated as the faithful gathered for Maghrib prayers, casting a pall over the community on the eve of Christmas celebrations.
Scene of Carnage in Gamboru Ward
The blast occurred at approximately 6:10 p.m. at a mosque located in the Gamboru Ward area. This zone is close to the busy Customs district and the bustling Gamboru Main Market, a location typically crowded with traders and residents. According to eyewitness Muhammad Abdullahi, the device exploded in the middle of congregational prayers, a time when many market traders traditionally pause to worship before heading home.
Another witness, Bukar Wakil, described a scene of immediate chaos. He reported that the powerful explosion triggered a fire and sent thick plumes of smoke into the air, burning parts of the mosque's ceiling and causing widespread panic in the densely populated market area.
Official Response and Condemnation
Initial information from the scene remained sketchy, with local residents telling journalists that many worshippers were either killed or injured. The Police Public Relations Officer for Borno State, ASP Nahum Daso, stated he could not immediately confirm details of the blast but confirmed he was en route to assess the situation firsthand. Security operatives swiftly cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties and to allow for a preliminary investigation.
The act was widely condemned as an abomination. Former senator Shehu Sani took to the social media platform X to express his grief and outrage. He described the bombing as "the evil horror of terrorism" and stated, "It’s tragic to receive the news of a bomb explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri that left scores of people dead... this unfortunate and condemnable act once again reflects the evil and horrors of terrorism and the dangers it poses to all citizens irrespective of their identities and affiliations." He extended his thoughts and prayers to the victims and their families.
Heightened Fear During the Festive Season
The timing of the attack, on Christmas Eve, significantly amplified fear and tension across Maiduguri. The incident sent shockwaves particularly through the Christian community, which was in the final stages of preparation for the 2025 Christmas celebrations. The bombing served as a grim reminder of the persistent threat of violence in the region.
While suspicion for the attack immediately fell on Boko Haram insurgents, no group had officially claimed responsibility at the time of reporting. Authorities had not yet released an official statement or confirmed the number of casualties from the Christmas Eve tragedy, leaving families in anguish and a city in mourning.
