KnowIslam Project Condemns Misleading Framing of Maiduguri Attack, Calls for Responsible Media Reporting

Date: 25 December 2025

The KnowIslam Project acknowledges condemns the tragic terrorist attack that occurred in Gamboru market, Maiduguri, Borno State, which claimed the lives of, at least, five innocent worshippers and 35 injured during Maghrib prayers

While we unequivocally condemn the attack and extend our condolences to the families of the victims, we are compelled to address the misleading framing of the incident by some media outlets, particularly the headline circulated by Channels Television:

“Many feared dead as bomb blast rocks Maiduguri on Christmas Eve.”

In reality, as confirmed by multiple reports including international media, the attack targeted a mosque during evening prayers, and the victims were Muslim worshippers. The omission of the word “mosque” and the emphasis on “Christmas Eve” created a false and damaging impression that the attack was directed at Christians or Christmas celebrations.

Such framing risks distorting public understanding, inflaming religious tensions, and rewriting the historical record in ways that do not reflect the facts.

“In the years to come, anyone searching online for attacks on Christians may be misled by headlines like this, despite the victims being Muslim worshippers killed in a mosque during prayer,” —Muslim News Nigeria.

Terrorism in Nigeria has claimed Muslim and Christian lives alike, and no faith community should have its suffering erased, misrepresented, or repackaged to fit a misleading narrative. Responsible journalism requires clarity, balance, and truth—especially in matters involving religion and mass casualty events.

The KnowIslam Project calls on media organizations to:

Clearly identify the location and victims of attacks

Avoid religiously suggestive framing that contradicts verified facts

Uphold ethical journalism standards that promote understanding rather than division

We stand in solidarity with the victims and reaffirm our commitment to challenging misinformation, promoting truthful discourse, and fostering peaceful coexistence.

Bashir Lucas Samson Lukman for KnowIslam Project