…Wants Security Agencies To Bring Perpetrators To Justice
…U.N. Condemns Incident.
By Jeremy Fregene
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered Nigeria’s security agencies to immediately track down and apprehend those responsible for the deadly bombing of a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State.
The directive followed Wednesday evening’s suspected suicide attack at the mosque during prayers, which left at least five worshippers dead and scores injured. Vice President Kashim Shettima said the President has also approved the deployment of additional tactical teams to the affected area as part of an intensified security operation.
Describing the attack as “a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation,” Shettima said the Tinubu administration would not tolerate any attempt to undermine national security.
“President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State,” the Vice President said in a statement. “Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately.”
According to Shettima, the Federal Government is working closely with the Borno State Government, local authorities, and security formations to secure vulnerable communities, places of worship, and critical infrastructure across the North-East and beyond.
As Tinubu’s directive set security forces on high alert, the United Nations also condemned the attack, describing it as a “heinous” act of violence against civilians.
Nigeria’s Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Fall, said he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the bombing, which occurred during evening prayers at the crowded Gamboru Market mosque.
“I am deeply saddened by yesterday evening’s reported loss of life in a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, in Borno State, following a suspected suicide bombing attack,” Fall said in a statement, adding that he joined Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, in condemning the incident.
On behalf of the United Nations in Nigeria, Fall conveyed condolences to the families of the victims, the Borno State Government and the people of the state, while wishing the injured a speedy recovery.
He also echoed Governor Zulum’s call for heightened vigilance and stronger security measures, particularly around places of worship during the festive period.
“I echo the Borno Governor’s call for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures during this festive period and beyond,” Fall said.
The UN official noted that the attack was another grim reminder of the persistent insecurity in Borno State, recalling that more than 50 civilians were killed in Darajamal, Bama Local Government Area, in September during an attack by suspected non-state armed groups. He said other incidents this year have targeted farming communities, traders, travellers and internally displaced persons’ camps using improvised explosive devices and suicide bombings.
Fall urged all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and respect international humanitarian and human rights law, while reaffirming the UN’s commitment to supporting government efforts to assist communities affected by the conflict in the North-East.
Meanwhile, Shettima expressed confidence that the country’s security architecture would not only apprehend those behind the Gamboru Market bombing, but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the attack.
“We sympathise with the Government and people of Borno State and with the families who lost their loved ones,” he said. “The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law.”
Reaffirming President Tinubu’s stance, the Vice President said the administration’s commitment to national security remains unwavering.
“Since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023, this administration has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation,” Shettima said. “We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms.”