Suicide Bombers Kill 18 at Wedding, Funeral in Borno

Tinubu condemns murderous act

By Julian Osamoto

Dr Barkindo Saidu, the Director-General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has confirmed more blasts in Gwoza and the rise in the number of people killed to 18.

Saidu, said in a situation report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the death comprised adult males, females and children.

He revealed that the first blast by a suicide bomber took place at a wedding ceremony, while the second blast occurred at the funeral service of victims when another female suicide bomber rushed into the congregation.

According to him, “19 people seriously injured were conveyed to Maiduguri in four ambulances, while 23 others are waiting for military escort in the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.

Borno State Commissioner of Police (CP), Yusuf Lawal, had earlier confirmed the death of six people and 15 others injured following a suicide attack carried out by a female bomber, but the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has now confirmed it to be 18 deaths.

News Agency of Nigeria NAN report that, no fewer than six people were killed with 15 others injured in a suicide attack in Gwoza, Borno State.

Tragedy struck when the suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) in Gwoza town.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the attack occurred at a busy motor park known as Marrarraban Gwoza.

An eye witness who identify himself as Buba, told NAN that the suicide bomber targeted a wedding ceremony.

Buba said that the attack shattered the joy and celebration of the special day, leaving families and loved ones in mourning.

Muhammed Kasim, another witness said that the attack happened around 1:30 p.m.“We heard a very loud sound of explosive, accompanied with dust; then we saw bodies on the ground.

A security analyst and counter-insurgency expert, Zagazola Makama, explained that the bomber, who was later identified as a young lady in her early twenties, detonated her explosive device in the middle of the gathering, causing chaos and destruction.

Borno State have been experiencing suicide bombing lately , just this year March 18, 2024, two people sustained varying injuries after a suspected suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device strapped to his body near a mosque in Biu Local Government of Borno State.

The state Public Relations Officer, ASP Daso Nahum, said the event occurred around 8 pm on Sunday when Muslim faithful were observing the night prayers.

Also on April 17 this year, an IED was reportedly planted by terrorists suspected to be members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

This resulted in the death of least 10 persons, while 20 others sustained varying degrees of injury when a commercial vehicle drove over an Improvised Explosive Device, according to Sahara report.

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