About 14 (now 22) people were killed while saying their early morning prayers at a mosque in Umarari Village, in Maiduguri, Borno state.

A man was reported to have detonated a bomb, killing himself and several others.

An official of the Civilian-JTF, Alhaji Danbatta, who took part in the rescue and evacuation of victims, told reporters that 26 persons were injured in the blast.

“The bomb attack occurred this morning in Umarari village, just after Mulai Leprosy Hospital, outside Maiduguri, along the Biu-Maiduguri highway.”

“It was a suicide attack: the bomber sneaked in while the worshippers were observing the morning congregational prayer. We evacuated 14 corpses and 21 injured ones were taken to the hospital.”

More details soon.

UPDATE

The Nigerian Army, through Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations, has confirmed the Maiduguri mosque attack.

The Colonel said “22 people were killed and 18 others sustained various degrees of injuries”.

“This is to confirm that there were twin Person-borne improvised explosive attack carried out by two female carriers in Ummarari village near Molai, outskirts of Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, this morning. The first attack targeted a mosque, while the second blast about 50 metres away, a few minutes later.”

“Troops, security agents and care givers have been mobilized to scene, while the wounded have been evacuated to Molai General Hospital for treatment. The troops, security agents and the Civilian JTF have secured the area and are combing the environment for possible clues.”

“While we commiserate with the families of the victims of this dastardly act, we wish to reassure the public that we would continue to rout the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they may be hiding. We will not rest on our oars until all those that masterminded this latest heinous and other similar crimes are apprehended and brought to justice.”

Mazi Emeka