Wed Dec 24 23:57:46 UTC 2025: ## News Article:

Explosion Rocks Mosque in Maiduguri, Nigeria, During Evening Prayers

Maiduguri, Nigeria – An explosion tore through a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria on Wednesday evening, killing and wounding an undetermined number of worshippers. The blast occurred around 6:00 PM local time (17:00 GMT) as people gathered for evening prayers.

Police spokesman Nahum Daso confirmed the explosion, stating that an explosive ordnance team was dispatched to the scene at the mosque in Maiduguri’s Gamboru market. While official casualty figures are not yet available, mosque leader Malam Abuna Yusuf reported at least eight fatalities to AFP, while militia leader Babakura Kolo placed the death toll at seven. Witness Musa Yusha’u reported seeing numerous injured being taken for medical treatment.

The cause of the explosion remains unknown. However, the city has been a focal point in the ongoing conflict involving Boko Haram and ISIL’s (ISIS) offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province, for nearly two decades. This conflict has resulted in at least 40,000 deaths and the displacement of approximately two million people since 2009, according to the United Nations.

While violence has decreased from its peak, concerns persist about a resurgence in the northeast, with armed groups retaining the capacity to launch deadly attacks. Maiduguri, once a frequent target of attacks, has experienced relative calm in recent years, with the last major attack occurring in 2021.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident. Further details will be released as they become available.

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