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The blast tore through a mosque in Maiduguri as worshippers gathered for evening prayers, witnesses say.

An explosion has ripped through a mosque in northeastern Nigeria as worshippers gathered for their evening prayers, killing and wounding several people, according to media reports.

The blast took place at about 6pm on Wednesday (17:00 GMT) in the city of Maiduguri in Borno State, the Reuters and AFP news agencies reported, citing witnesses.

Police spokesman Nahum Daso confirmed the explosion and told AFP that an explosive ordnance team was already on site at the mosque in Maiduguri’s Gamboru market.

There was no official word on casualties.

But mosque leader Malam Abuna Yusuf told the AFP at least eight people had died, while a militia leader, Babakura Kolo, put the figure at seven.

Another witness, Musa Yusha’u, told AFP that he saw “many victims being taken away for medical treatment”.

The cause of the blast was not immediately known, but it occurred ‍in a ⁠city that has been at the heart of an armed rebellion waged by Boko Haram and ISIL’s (ISIS) offshoot in the region, the Islamic State West Africa Province, for nearly two decades.

The conflict has killed at least 40,000 people and displaced about two million from their homes since 2009, according to the United Nations.

Though the violence has waned since its peak about a decade ago, it has spilt into neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

Concerns are also growing about a resurgence of violence in parts of the northeast, where armed groups remain capable of mounting deadly attacks despite years of sustained military operations.

Maiduguri itself – once the scene of nightly gun battles and bombings – has been calm in recent years, with the last major attack recorded in 2021.

LILY Allen hosted a glittering Christmas party last night at London’s most notorious nightspot Stringfellows – turning heads in a sexy Santa outfit.

The singer, 40, slipped into a figure-hugging red mini dress trimmed with fluffy white fur, complete with lace suspenders adorned with bows. 

The provocative look was teamed with a velvet red Santa cape as she embraced festive glamour.

Lily styled her hair in a Sixties-inspired blow-dry and accessorised with a classic Chanel handbag. 

She added extra height with a pair of skyscraper white heels, which featured a matching fur embellishment.

Never one to take herself too seriously, the cheeky star was spotted sticking out her tongue as she posed and mingled with guests.

Lily took to the dancefloor with a host of celebrity pals including pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo. 

She also shared a playful moment dancing with the London Gay Men’s Chorus, who attended the bash. 

Fellow singer Ella Raye was among the guests too, wowing in a sheer red stocking dress as she joined Lily for a photo.

Bono’s daughter, Jordan Hewson, was seen at the star-studded event, lounging on a sofa with Lily.

The party took place at Stringfellows, the legendary gentlemen’s club founded by Peter Stringfellow in the 1970s. 

Originally opening in Soho before moving to Covent Garden, Stringfellows quickly became synonymous with celebrity excess, glamour and late-night debauchery. 

Over the decades, it has welcomed everyone from Hollywood stars to rock royalty, cementing its status as one of London’s most infamous nightlife institutions.

The Christmas bash comes during a significant year for Lily, who has launched new music widely described as a “revenge” album following her split from husband David Harbour. 

The record draws on heartbreak and betrayal after Lily publicly accused the actor of cheating. 

Fans have praised the project for its raw honesty and cutting lyrics, marking a bold new chapter in her career.