Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the coordinated bomb explosion that killed at least seven people and injured more than 20 others at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the attack as “vicious, unlawful and a contemptible disregard for human life.”
The explosion occurred on Wednesday evening at about 6:00 p.m. at a mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, while worshippers were observing Maghrib prayers. Amnesty said the timing and location of the attack underscored the deliberate targeting of civilians.
According to eyewitnesses who spoke with the rights group, the impact of the blast was devastating. One witness recounted seeing bodies torn apart by the explosives, with human body parts scattered around the mosque premises.
Amnesty International noted that while some victims sustained minor injuries, others suffered severe harm, including at least two persons whose limbs were shattered in the blast.
The organisation stressed that the ongoing campaign of unlawful killings of civilians must be brought to an end, urging the Nigerian authorities to take stronger measures to protect lives and ensure that those responsible for such attacks are promptly identified and brought to justice.
Amnesty further called on the government to uphold its obligation under international law to safeguard civilians and prevent attacks on places of worship.
