By Cecilia Ologunagba
New York, Dec. 27, 2025
The UN has expressed sadness over the suspected suicide bomb attack in a mosque in Gamboru, Maiduguri, Borno State in north-east Nigeria, which led to the loss of lives and left scores injured.
A bomb exploded during prayers at a mosque in Maiduguri on Wednesday night, killing five people in what police described as a likely suicide attack, according to media reports.
Police said that 35 people were also injured in the attack.
This is as the UN Secretary-General António Guterres “unequivocally” condemned the deadly terrorist attack on a mosque in Homs, Syria during Friday prayers.
At least eight people were killed and 18 injured in the explosion at the Ali Bin Abi Talib mosque – a place of worship of the minority Alawite community – in the Wadi al-Dahab neighbourhood.
Syria has been on the path to political transition since the overthrow of the Assad regime last December but continues to face sectarian and other violence.
A group called Saraya Ansar al-Sunna has claimed responsibility for the blast, according to media reports.
Speaking on the Maiduguri attack, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told journalists on Friday in New York that the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Fall, had issued a statement to condole with the families of the victims.
Dujarric said Fall had conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were killed, and to the Government and people of Borno State and wished the injured speedy recovery.
He said Fall joined the Governor of Borno, Prof. Babagana Zulum, in strongly condemning the “heinous attack” in a place of worship and echoed his call for increased vigilance and enhanced security measures during this festive period and beyond.
This alleged suicide attack is yet another horrific reminder of the deadly toll of violent attacks in Borno State this year.
On Sept. 5, more than 50 civilians were killed when suspected members of a non-state armed group attacked Darajamal, in Bama Local Government Area, while other incidents have ranged from targeted attacks on communities to attacks on internally-displaced persons’ camps, using improvised explosive devices, suicide bombings and other tactics targeting farmers, fishermen, travellers, and traders.
The spokesperson said Fall reiterated his call to parties to the conflict to protect civilians, including those gathered in places of worship, as well as their property, and to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law.
The United Nations reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining support for people affected by the conflict in north-east Nigeria.
On the Syria blast, the UN Spokesman’s statement stated: “The Secretary-General reiterates that attacks against civilians and places of worship are unacceptable. He stresses that those responsible must be identified and brought to justice,” stressing “the Syrian authorities have condemned the attack and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to combat terrorism and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The UN chief extended condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured prompt and full recovery.
