An improvised explosive device suspected to have been planted inside a mosque at the Gamboru Main Market in Maiduguri, Borno State, exploded on Wednesday evening while worshippers were observing the Maghrib prayers.
The blast reportedly occurred at about 6pm inside the mosque, which is usually crowded with traders, buyers and other residents who frequent the Gamboru market on a daily basis.
Eyewitnesses said the explosion caused panic in the area as worshippers and market users fled the scene in fear of further attacks.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident is unusual, as residents of Maiduguri have not experienced any similar bomb explosion within the city in recent times.
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, ASP Kenneth Daso, were unsuccessful as his phone lines were not reachable as of the time of filing this report.
Details later…