Tragic Explosion at Maiduguri Mosque: Lives Lost in Gamboru Market Attack

Tragic Explosion at Maiduguri Mosque: Lives Lost in Gamboru Market Attack

December 24, 2025,

A devastating explosion ripped through a mosque in the bustling Gamboru Market area of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in northeastern Nigeria. The blast occurred during the Maghrib (evening) prayers, a time when the mosque was filled with worshippers seeking peace and reflection. This incident has left the community in shock, claiming multiple lives and injuring many others, and once again highlighting the persistent threat of violence in a region long plagued by insurgency.

The Incident Unfolds

The explosion took place around 6:00–6:10 p.m. local time at a mosque often referred to in reports as the Gambarou Jumu’at Mosque or Al-Adum Jumaat Mosque near the Gamboru Market, close to the Customs district. Eyewitnesses described a powerful detonation that shattered the tranquility of the prayer session. Thick smoke billowed from the building, and chaos ensued as worshippers fled in panic while others rushed to aid the injured.

According to BBC News, reports varied on the nature of the attack. Some witnesses described it as a suicide bombing, with the assailant reportedly detonating the device midway through the first raka’at (unit) of the prayer. Others suggested an improvised explosive device (IED) may have been planted inside the mosque beforehand. Security sources and a local anti-jihadist militia leader, Babakura Kolo, leaned toward the latter explanation, describing it as a suspected bombing.

Casualty figures remain fluid as investigations continue, but reports from credible sources indicate significant losses. AFP cited security sources confirming at least seven worshippers killed, while the Borno State Police later confirmed five deaths and 35 injuries. Other accounts mentioned higher numbers, with some hospital sources and eyewitnesses reporting up to eight fatalities and dozens injured. Victims were rushed to facilities such as the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, where emergency responders worked amid the holiday season.

Security forces quickly cordoned off the area, conducting sweeps for additional threats, and urged residents to remain calm. No group has officially claimed responsibility as of the latest updates, though suspicion has fallen on Boko Haram or its splinter faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), given the tactics employed.

A Region Scarred by Insurgency

Maiduguri holds a painful place in Nigeria’s history of violence. As the birthplace of Boko Haram in 2009, the city has endured countless attacks over the past 16 years. The insurgency, which seeks to impose strict Islamic law in northern Nigeria, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions. While urban Maiduguri has seen relative calm in recent years, the last major attack in the city center was recorded in 2021 this incident marks a troubling resurgence.

Historically, militants have targeted mosques, markets, and public gatherings to maximize casualties and instill fear. Previous attacks include:

•  In 2019, an assault on a mosque in Maiduguri killed 11 people.

•  In 2024, two female suicide bombers struck a mosque in Ummarari village near Molai, killing at least 22.

These patterns underscore the vulnerability of religious sites in the region, even as military operations have pushed insurgents away from urban centers. (Daily post)

The timing of this attack on Christmas Eve, just hours before many in Nigeria’s diverse population celebrate the holiday has amplified its impact. While the mosque served Muslim worshippers, the blast has heightened anxiety across communities, particularly among Christians preparing for festivities.

Condemnations and Calls for Action

Political and civil society leaders have swiftly condemned the attack. Former senator Shehu Sanidescribed it as “the evil horror of terrorism,” calling it a tragic and abominable act that reflects the dangers extremists pose to all citizens. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) labeled it unacceptable, criticizing the government for failing to ensure security and protect the right to freedom of worship.

Such statements reflect broader frustration with ongoing insecurity in Nigeria’s northeast, where despite military gains, insurgents retain the capacity for deadly strikes.

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Looking Forward: Healing and Resilience

This tragedy reminds us of the human cost of prolonged conflict. Families mourn loved ones lost during what should have been a moment of spiritual solace. Survivors face physical and emotional wounds, and the community grapples with renewed fear in daily life.

Yet, Maiduguri’s people have shown remarkable resilience over the years. Emergency services, hospitals, and local volunteers responded swiftly, demonstrating solidarity in crisis. As investigations proceed and the injured receive care, there is hope that enhanced security measures and community vigilance can prevent future atrocities.

The people of Borno State deserve peace and the freedom to worship without fear. This attack, while heartbreaking, must strengthen collective resolve to combat extremism and rebuild a safer future for all.