Nigeria: 5 killed as suicide bombers hits Maiduguri University mosque

A professor and four others have been reportedly killed in a suicide bomb attack in Nigeria’s northeast, some 20 others are said to have sustained injuries. The attack is believed to have been carried out by Boko Haram.

Local media reported that the attack occured at the mosque of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Borno State. The University’s spokesperson also confirmed the attack.

The Monday morning incident is the first major attack on the institution since the Boko Haram insurgency began over seven years ago. A source quoted by the Premium Times news portal said the attack happened when worshippers were concluding the dawn prayers in the mosque.

FLASH: A bomb explosion has occurred at the mosque of the University of Maiduguri in Nigeria's northeast, many feared killed

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A second attack was believed to have gone off near one of the University’s gates used by pedestrians. Soldiers who are the main security officers in the state are said to have taken over the scene of the incident.

Borno State is the birthplace of the Boko Haram insurgency which seeks to establish an Islamic State in Nigeria. Despite recent successes by the Nigerian Army, the group continues to use suicide bombs to attack civilian populations.

Photo Credit: Sahara Reporters