News|Armed GroupsExplosion rocks crowded mosque in Nigeria, killing several people: ReportsThe blast tore through a mosque in Maiduguri as worshippers gathered for evening prayers, witnesses say.
## Security Incident in Maiduguri, Nigeria
Security Incident in Maiduguri, Nigeria
An explosion occurred at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, on Wed, Oct 18, 2023, during evening prayers. The blast was reported by witnesses at approximately 6 pm local time (17:00 GMT).
According to police spokesperson Nahum Daso, an explosive ordnance team has been deployed to the mosque located in Maiduguri’s Gamboru market. While official casualty figures have not been released, local sources indicate different numbers of fatalities. Mosque leader Malam Abuna Yusuf reported at least eight deaths, whereas militia leader Babakura Kolo mentioned seven.
The cause of the explosion has not been determined. However, Maiduguri is a region that has experienced prolonged conflict due to an armed rebellion by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province. This conflict has resulted in over 40,000 casualties and displaced approximately two million people since its inception in 2009, as per United Nations data.
An explosion occurred at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, on Wed, Oct 18, 2023, during evening prayers.
Despite a decrease in violence from its peak a decade ago, there are ongoing concerns about potential resurgences of violence in northeastern Nigeria. Armed groups in the region maintain the capacity to execute significant attacks, although Maiduguri has remained relatively calm, with no major incidents since 2021.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
