Tears flowed freely on Saturday as suicide bombers attacked funeral and wedding ceremonies in Gwoza, Borno State, with reports indicating up to 30 persons have been killed and Injuries inflicted on over 100 others, in what seems like a return of suicide bombing in the state, the epicentre of violent Boko Haram attacks.
Gwoza, located in the southern part of the North-east state, was at a time the emirate headquarters of the insurgents, who at that time, killed the traditional ruler of the hilly town.
Suicide bombing by the insurgents had stopped until Saturday’s incidents, which have fuelled fears that the reign of terror might have returned.
Confirming the multiple attacks, the Director General of the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Barkindo Saidu, said: “In my presence, at about exactly 3pm, the first bomb in Gwoza was detonated by a female suicide bomber in the midst of the marriage ceremony. It affected more than 30 persons with various levels of injuries and instant death.
“Some minutes later, another blast occurred around General Hospital.
“Again, at the funeral services (janaiza), another lady rushed into the congregation and detonated another bomb with a lot of casualties.
“When we were in the hospital coordinating the rescue mission, another one exploded from a female teenager.
“So far, 18 deaths comprising children, adult males, females, and pregnant women, have been recorded.
“Nineteen were seriously injured and were conveyed to Maiduguri in four ambulances; 23 are waiting for military escort in the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.
“I am now coordinating for chopper tonight. I have mobilised emergency drugs to complement the shortage of drugs in Gwoza,” he added.
According to him, the degree of injuries ranges from abdominal raptures, skull fractures, to limb fractures.
Saidu added that he also received a report that there was a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka.
In his reaction, the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, also confirmed that the attacks were carried out at various locations, including wedding receptions and a burial ceremony in the town.
He said: “The entire Gwoza council area is in serious mourning following multiple suicide attacks on our community.
“The first suicide attack was masterminded by an unidentified woman who sneaked with two children into a wedding reception of a popular young man in Gwoza; she detonated her Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) killing herself and many people.
“Few minutes after, another suicide bomber sneaked into a burial ceremony at the nearby and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices, and as I am talking to you now, the third explosion just occurred few minutes ago with more casualties.
“At least, over 100 people were injured, and most of them who sustained serious injuries have been rushed to Maiduguri with military escort for proper medical attention.
“This is just a preliminary confirmation, as details of the casualties are still yet unknown, but I will keep you posted on any development.”
It is believed that the death toll might have risen to 30 deaths as the coordinated attacks which took place on Saturday afternoon caused pandemonium as people had to scamper for safety.
Reliable sources within Gwoza told journalists that: “More than 30 innocent civilians were killed with over 100 sustaining various degree of injuries, even as many of the victims have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention.”
Also reacting to the incidents, the member representing Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa Federal Constituency, Ahmed Usman Jaha, sympathised with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the multiple attacks, even as he prayed Allah to grant the souls of the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus, and wished those who sustained injuries quick recovery.
An eyewitness, who simply identified himself as Musa, said on the phone that the first suicide bomber targeted a wedding ceremony.
Another witness, Ibrahim Dogo, said: “Everywhere was thrown into panic as people had to run for cover,” adding that, “the serenity of the town was disturbed as we heard a very loud sound of explosives, accompanied with dust; then we saw bodies on the ground.”
Dogo noted that they were still in shock to take stock of the number of people that were affected by the attack.
He said several victims were evacuated to the hospital while security agencies were deployed to condone the area.
However, the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Yusuf Lawal, who confirmed the attack on wedding ceremony to journalists in the state, stated that it was carried out by a female suicide bomber.
Lawal said he was informed by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Gwoza, that at least six people were killed with 15 others evacuated to the hospital.
In a related development, some IDPs from Gwoza, who were relocated to Yola, Adamawa State capital at the peak of the attacks on Gwoza about nine years ago, have pleaded that they should not be compelled to return to the town, requesting that they should be assisted to settle in the Adamawa State capital.
Michael Olugbode
Follow us on:
The EFCC has arrested three suspects for alleged vote buying during the ongoing Edo governorship…
Evacuations of 30,000 people are underway in central Japan as heavy rains threaten severe flooding,…
An employee of California's state fire protection agency, known as Cal Fire, has been arrested…
In Mexico's western Sinaloa state, at least 53 people have been killed and 51 others…
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has announced the arrest of two suspected political thugs during…
President Bola Tinubu on Saturday rejoiced with his better half, Oluremi Tinubu, on the occasion…
View Comments
(08138559865) (+234_815__8559_865)
Anywhere in Nigeria, place your order now.. Pprove by the INTERNAL ofNG,, opportunities to get a car of your choice at a minimum price E-Auction Vehicles/Cars For Sale of Rice...Motor
Mama Africa #17,000 •Tomatoes Rice # *15,000* •Cap Rice #15,000 •My Food #17,000 •Mama Gold #17,500 •Ade Brazil #15,000 •Elephant Gold #15,000 •Royal Umbrella #15,000 Etc.
Golf3= 400,000
((08138559865) (+234_815__8559_865)
Toyota Exterra=850,000
Toyota Camry big daddy=650,000
Toyota Venza= 1.7million
Toyota Avalon=850,000
Toyota Rav4=950,000
Toyota Prado=1.3million
TOYOTA HILUX=2million
Toyota Sienna=850,000
TOYOTA 4-RUNNER=950,000
Toyota Corolla=650,000
Toyota Matrix= 700,000
Toyota Highlander=950,000
Toyota Picnic=500,000
Tacoma 1.850,000
Toyota Hiace Bus=950,000
Toyota Tundra=1.5million
Toyota Sequola=900,000
BMW 5-series=1.960,000
BMW 3-series=1.640,000
BMW X6=2.670,000
Ford Edge=700,000
Ford Escape=600,000
Honda Elantra=600,000
Honda Baby-Boy=700,000
Dyna Truck 900k
TIPPER Head 6mill
Honda Accord=550,000
Honda CRV=650,000
HONDA CIVIC=500,000
HONDA EVIL-SPIRIT=750,000
HONDA ODYSSEY=500,000
Honda Pilot=850,000
Nissan pathfinder=800,000
Nissan Amanda=750,000
Infinity=950,000
Benz C250=N1.300,000
Benz C300=1.6MILLION
Benz ML350=2 million
Benz ML300=1.5 million
Benz ML550=2.6million
Mercedes-Benz C-Class ₦1.3Million
Mercedes-Benz E-Class ₦1.8Million
Mercedes-Benz GLK ₦3.Million
Es330 1.6
Lexus C5 350=950,000
IS250 1m
Lexus Rx300=1.2 million
Lexus Rx330=1.5 million
Is350 2mill
Gx470 1.8mill
Lexus Rx350= 2 million
ES350 2mill