Reactions as bomb explosion left scores dead on Christmas Eve

Report has it that a suicide attack at Gomboru market mosque in Maiduguri metropolis on Wednesday evening.

Accordingly, in Borno State, a suspected suicide bomber sneaked into the mosque while worshippers were performing the Maghrib prayer, killing five people and injuring 35 others.

In his reaction, the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara has condemned, in strong terms this attack while called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship during the festive period.

Zulum, through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya who conveyed his profound condolences from the frontline in northern Borno, assured that adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach during the festive period and beyond.

According to him, “I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing 5 people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane”.

He added, “Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship.”
“I wish to express my condolences to the families of all those that lost their lives in the attack and pray for the repose of their souls, and for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he stated.

The former Minister, Prof. Isa Ibrahim Patanmi on X said the nefarious act represents a cruel assault on the shared humanity and a clear violation of values of Islam as well as all other faiths, which uphold the sanctity of life and the safety of worshippers.

He extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, those injured, and the Government and people of Borno State while prayed that Almighty Allah forgives the shortcomings of the departed, grants them Jannatul Firdaus, and hastens the full recovery of those currently receiving medical care.
Patanmi commended the prompt response of the security agencies and medical personnel. “As we go through this festive period, which comes with a lot of travels and activities, I urge citizens to remain vigilant, security-conscious, and cooperative with relevant authorities in order to safeguard lives and property”.

He added”May Allah expose the perpetrators of this evil act, bring them to justice, and grant Maiduguri, Borno State, and our dear country lasting peace and security. May Allah equally bring an end to all these pervasive e security challenges across the nation”.

Senator Shehu Sani on X said 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. “My thoughts prayers to the victims and their families”.
This act is vicious, unlawful and demonstrates a contemptible disregard for human life, this campaign of vicious and unlawful killings of civilians must end, Amnesty International said after speaking with eyewitnesses in Maiduguri.

“This deplorable attack took place at a time when Muslims were observing Maghrib prayers around 6:00pm in a mosque at Gamboru Market Maiduguri. Targeting a mosque demonstrates complete disregard for human life,

“One eye witness told Amnesty International that he saw people whose bodies were blown by the explosives, while body parts were seen around the mosque. Some of the injuries were minor while some were serious like two persons whose limb was shattered”.

The Organization urged the Nigerian authorities to do more to protect civilians and bring the perpetrators of all such attacks to justice.