BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, DECEMBER 24, 2025 | 12:00 AM

A suicide attack carried out by a small boy has killed at least five worshippers during evening prayers at Al-Alim Mosque in Gomboru Market, Maiduguri.

The explosion occurred on Wednesday evening while Maghrib prayer was ongoing inside the mosque.

Reports by YEN.NG said the boy disguised himself as a worshipper and quietly entered the mosque without raising suspicion.

He detonated an explosive device while worshippers were in prostration, killing himself instantly along with one worshipper at the scene.

Community members said they were shocked by the attack and could not explain how the child managed to gain access to the mosque unnoticed.

Medical sources confirmed that four additional victims later died at the Borno State Specialist Hospital.

Another body was confirmed at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, bringing the total death toll to six, including the bomber.

Officials of the National Emergency Management Agency and the State Emergency Management Agency said 22 injured persons are currently receiving treatment at the State Specialist Hospital.

Several other victims with varying degrees of injuries are being treated at General Mohammed Shuwa Hospital, the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, and other medical facilities.

Families of victims were seen moving between hospitals in search of information about their loved ones.

Security agencies have secured the area and investigations are ongoing to determine how the child was recruited and how the attack was carried out.