The death toll from the suicide bombings in Gwoza, Borno has climbed to 18, according to an official.
Multiple explosions had reportedly been reported in the area on Saturday, June 29. It was said that the bombs had been detonated by female suicide bombers alleged to be Boko Haram members.
At the initial moments after the attack, police officials reported six deaths but the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has now confirmed 18 deaths.
In a situation report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Director-General of Borno SEMA, Barkindo Saidu, reported that the 18 dead persons comprised of adult males, females and children.
The DG added that the first blast by a suicide bomber had occurred at a wedding ceremony, while the second blast occurred at the funeral service of victims when another female suicide bomber ran into the congregation.
According to reports by NAN, the planned attacks, had taken a lot of people by surprise, shocking to the people of Borno, who last experienced such at the peak of the state’s insurgency between 2024 and 2014.
There were four different suicide bombing incidents on Saturday in the Gwoza, Borno and the locations of the four incidents were in areas where the Boko Haram faction led by Ali Ngulde were controlled.
What They’re Saying
In the DG’s words:
“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.“I am now coordinating for a chopper tonight. I have mobilised emergency drugs to complement the shortage of drugs in Gwoza.
“The degree of injuries range from abdominal raptures, skull and limb fractures.
“I have also received a report that there is a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka,” Saidu concluded.
Pulka is a village near to Gwoza town.
