The explosion incident that occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, at a mosque located within the Gamboru Market in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) was caused by a suicide bomber, the headquarters of the Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) said.
According to the statement by the spokesman of the Theatre Command, Lt. Col Sani Uba, the preliminary findings indicated the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and two civilians at the scene.
“The troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other sister security agencies, Borno State Government, and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) responded promptly, secured, and cordoned off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety,” the statement said.
The statement said that the casualties were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for prompt medical attention.
Lt. Col. Uba disclosed that a total of 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries and that two of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while two others are currently in critical condition.
‘The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care,” he said.
He assured residents of their safety during the festive season and that army troops and other security agencies have since intensified surveillance and security measures within Maiduguri and the surrounding areas.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned the incident and assured that it would not affect the country’s resolve to confront insecurity.
The statement by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, on Thursday, quoted Shettima as saying that security agencies are working to apprehend the culprits.
“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately,” the statement added.
GIK/APA