Civilian Joint Task Force representatives, who took part in the evacuation of the dead bodies from the scene of the twin suicide bombings in Maiduguri, informed the press that at least 26 people were killed on the spot when the suicide bombers detonated their devices in a mosque in the suburb of Borno state capital.
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Two suicide bombers rocked the mosque in Molai area of the restive Maiduguri city, killing many people, mainly worshippers and residents nearby, a witness, identified as Abdulmalik Usman, told Xinhua.
Following the explosions, the mosque collapsed and injured “many people praying”, the police said in a statement. “Not a single one escaped”, Muhtari Ahmadu, a trader near the scene of the blasts, said.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack, but suspicion fell on Boko Haram, which was founded the city in 2009. However, Nigerian officials usually blame such assaults on Boko Haram Takfiri terrorists. The blasts targeted people who were leaving their homes to enjoy the evening breeze following scorching daytime temperatures.
The bombers slipped into the mosque disguised as worshippers, witnesses said.
Boko Haram militants, whose mission is to establish their own Islamic caliphate, have stepped up suicide and guerrilla attacks recently amid a heightened offensive by the Nigerian government under new President Muhammadu Buhari.
Nigeria’s military claims the Islamist militants are a spent force and that troops have driven them from their camps and occupied territory in the remote region.
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The Thursday incident was the second in a week to hit Maiduguri city after multiple blasts killed at least eight people at another location.
