Twin Blasts Rock Maiduguri; 6 Dead, Many Injured

Twin Blasts Rock Maiduguri; 6 Dead, Many Injured

No fewer than six persons have been killed in an early morning bomb attack in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Saturday.

The two suicide attacks reportedly occurred at two different spots 1 kilometre apart, shattering the relative peace the city has enjoyed in recent times.

Premium Times reports that the first blast went off at about 7:30 a.m. near the Bakassi IDP camp, along the popular Maiduguri-Biu road in the city centre, while the second went off in a tricycle near the NNPC fuel depot along Damboa Road, killing a woman and the rider.

“Six persons were reportedly killed in the blast and have been evacuated to the hospital,” said Yunus Musa, a resident of the area.

The attacks were confirmed by an official of the Civilian-JTF, Alhaji DanBatta, who claimed that the first blast came from suicide bombers who were trying to invade Bakassi IDP camp.

“We have another sad day today, but we thank God the worst did not happen; because the suicide bombers actually wanted to enter Bakassi camp, and that could have been really bad,” he said.

“There was another one just opposite the NNPC Depot along Damboa Road. But I cannot give you the details of the casualties recorded immediately because we are presently conveying the victims to the hospital. I will get back to you when the doctors confirm their conditions.”

The affected areas have been cordoned off as rescue workers set about evacuating the bodies.