Security operatives in Borno State have commenced the screening of worshippers at churches and mosques following a deadly suicide bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri that claimed at least five lives and left dozens injured.
The explosion occurred at about 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the Al-Adum Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, while worshippers were observing Maghrib prayers. The attack has heightened security concerns across the state, especially as Christians celebrate Christmas and Muslims continue daily prayers.
According to Newsmen, the Borno State Police Command has deployed more than 1,000 personnel across Maiduguri and other strategic locations to tighten security and prevent further attacks.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Nahum Daso, said the attack prompted the police and other security agencies to intensify existing security measures, particularly around places of worship and public gathering points.
Daso explained that security personnel have been stationed at churches, mosques, recreational centres and other locations expected to attract large crowds, adding that worshippers will now undergo mandatory security screening before being allowed entry.
“There will be full domination of security personnel at churches, recreational centres and strategic locations where people are massively going to. This is a joint operation involving the police and other emergency and security response teams,” he said.
He added that although security arrangements were already in place before the attack, authorities decided to strengthen them in response to the incident.
“In terms of clearance, anyone going to churches or mosques must be properly scanned,” Daso said.
The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or individuals to security agencies through designated emergency lines.
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has condemned the attack, describing it as “utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane.”
In a statement issued Wednesday night by his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, the governor said the attack resulted in the deaths of five worshippers and injuries to at least 35 others.
Zulum described the bombing of a place of worship as a desecration of its sanctity and assured residents that adequate security measures had been put in place to prevent further attacks during the festive period and beyond.
Leave a Reply