UN condemns Maiduguri mosque bombing

The United Nations has condemned a deadly bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting communities affected by the conflict in northeast Nigeria.

The attack occurred during evening prayers on Wednesday at Gamboru market in Maiduguri, killing at least five people. Police spokesperson Nahum Daso said another 35 people were injured in the blast.

Unverified footage circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the explosion, with dust-filled air and residents gathered around the affected area. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, though militant groups have previously targeted mosques and crowded locations in the region using suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices.

Maiduguri has been at the centre of a long-running insurgency by Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The latest attack comes amid persistent violence in parts of Borno State.

On September 5, more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected non-state armed groups attacked Darajamal in Bama Local Government Area. Other recent incidents have included assaults on communities and internally displaced persons’ camps, as well as attacks on farmers, fishermen, traders and travellers.

Reacting to the bombing, Nigeria’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator and head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Mohamed Fall, condemned the attack and expressed condolences to victims and their families.

“I join the Governor of Borno, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, in strongly condemning this heinous attack in a place of worship,” Fall said in a statement.

“On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were killed, and to the Government and the people of Borno State. I wish the injured a speedy recovery.

“I also echo the Borno Governor’s call for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures during this festive period and beyond.”

Fall said the UN would continue working closely with the Nigerian government, UN agencies and local non-governmental organisations to support civilians affected by the conflict. He also called on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and civilian property, including places of worship, and to adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law.

OCHA coordinates humanitarian responses in Nigeria’s northeast, particularly in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, focusing on food, nutrition, protection, livelihoods support and long-term resilience in partnership with Nigerian authorities and aid organisations.