Bomb blast in Borno | File Image
.Casualty rate rises, military go after women suspects
By Mohammed Ahmed
Nigerian security officials have arrested two alleged bombers in Borno State over the detonation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Gwoza, which claimed no fewer than 20 people on Sunday June 30, 2024.
Though the names of the suspects remain undisclosed, local sources said that they were part of the 30 women despatched by terrorists suspected to be Boko Haram into Gwoza to detonate the Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) at different locations within the area.
One of the sources also told our correspondent that only four suicide bombers exploded so far.
The source further narrated that one of the female bombers that came from Pulka Axis was responding to military interrogation at the checkpoint when she panicked and detonated the IED, killing herself, the soldier and a civilian JTF member.
Also read: Boko Haram suspects kill senior Army officers, overrun Niger communities
It was gathered that the women got into Gwoza from different locations, some from Pulka and others from the Mandara mountains.
The attack, one of the deadliest reported in the state in recent months, also injured more than 30 persons especially at a weding ceremony.
The degree of injuries, sources said, ranges from abdominal ruptures to skull and limb fractures.
The Director-General of SEMA, Barkindo Saidu, confirmed the attack, stressing that he witnessed the first blast.
His words: “In my presence, at about 3pm, the first bomb blast in Gwoza occurred, detonated by a female suicide bomber in the midst of the marriage ceremony celebration.
“It affected more than 30 persons with various levels of injuries and instant death. Some minutes later, another blast occurred around General Hospital.”
He said that the wedding was held at Tashan Mararaba near the Fire Service in Gwoza town.
A survivor hed informed Channelstv that the first bomber was carrying a baby on her back when she stormed the venue and detonated the IED.
Meanwhile, the military has imposed a curfew in Gwoza LGA in the wake of the attacks.
valoa2000@yahoo.com
