By ZAKAA LAZARUS
A suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber has killed four people and injured 32 others after detonating an improvised explosive device at a mosque inside Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State.
The incident was disclosed in a statement on Tuesday by the Media Information Officer of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, who said the explosion occurred at about 6pm while Muslim worshippers were observing evening prayers.
Uba said the attacker died at the scene alongside two civilians, while 32 others sustained varying degrees of injuries and were evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for treatment.
He added that two of the injured victims later died at the hospital, two others were in critical condition, while the remaining victims were stable and receiving medical care.
According to him, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in collaboration with the police Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, other security agencies, the Borno State Government and the National Emergency Management Agency, swiftly cordoned off the area to prevent further harm.
Uba said security surveillance had been intensified across Maiduguri and surrounding areas, urging residents to remain calm but vigilant, especially during the yuletide season.
He advised the public to avoid crowded places, be watchful at religious centres and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security post.
Operation Hadin Kai commiserated with the families of the deceased and assured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property in the North-East.
