The Borno State Police command has confirmed that 26 people were killed in Saturday’s suicide bombing at a mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno capital.
A witness had told the state Governor, Kashim Shettima that 16 people died in the blast.
But Aderemi Opadokun, the Borno Commissioner of Police, said there were more casualties.
“A suicide bomber strapped with IED exploded himself in Alhaji Haruna Mosque at Galadima Kyari drive Ali Kotoko Road near the Monday Market”, Mr. Opadokun said.
“The incident happened around 3.30 p.m., while Asar prayer was being offered at the mosque.
“Twenty six people were confirmed dead while 28 were injured”, he was quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria as saying.
It was learnt that Governor Shettima arrived the scene shortly after the incident to assess the damages.
The governor condemned the act, and commiserated with the families of the victims.
