Boko Haram strikes again, kills 8 in Damaturu

YUSUF DANLADI

At least eight persons have so far been confirmed killed in two separate suicide bomb attacks in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital.

Over 20 others are injured, officials and witnesses said.

One of the suicide attacks was at the entrance of the town’s major bus station.

Sources in Damaturu said the first bomb blast was heard echoing in from the Pompomari axis of the city as a male suicide bomber, said to be in his mid 20s, suddenly exploded on the street. No one was affected, except himself.

Shortly after the Pompomari bombing, another one occurred at the Damaturu Motor Park.

According to witnesses, the bomber was a female who was attempting to enter the park, but only got her device detonated at the gate.

A vehicle conveying passengers and coming out of the park was affected. Four persons in the vehicle were killed instantly.

Security personnel cordoned off the area shortly after the explosion, witnesses said.

Officials of the State Emergency Management Agency and hospital staff were seen providing emergency support to the victims.

Yobe Police Command Public Relations Officer, DSP Toyin Gbadegeshin, confirmed the incident to newsmen.

Gbadegeshin said that three others were in critical condition, while 40 others who sustained various degrees of injury had been evacuated to hospitals in the area.

He said one of the explosions involving a female suicide bomber of about 12 years of age, happened at the entrance of the Damaturu main motor park.

“The girl detonated the explosive at the screening centre of the motor park gate, killing herself and four others, including a pregnant woman and a baby.

“The other explosive which went off at about the same time with the first one at Pompomari when a suspected male suicide bomber sensing he will be apprehended, ran into a nearby bush and the explosive went off killing him alone,’’ the police spokesman said.

The Director of Press to Yobe Governor, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, described the incident as “sad and unfortunate”.

Meanwhile, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has reacted to the two suicide bomb explosions in Damaturu early morning today in which six people were confirmed dead and 26 others injured.

Abdullahi Bego, his Director of Press Affairs, in a statement said his principal is “heartbroken.

“Once again, he mourns with the families of victims of these callous, senseless and condemnable attacks.

“At this time of so much sadness, therefore, Gaidam expresses his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families of victims. He prays Almighty Allah (SWT) to grant repose to the souls of those who died and quick recovery to those who sustained injuries.

The governor has directed that injured victims be given quick and free treatment at the Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, where they have been taken for medical care.

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) officials are also providing the assistance and support to the victims.

Gaidam urged people across Yobe State to continue in the traditions of vigilance, prayers and support to security agencies as they push on with their effort to save Yobe of the unspeakable violence that has caused so much pain and death.