19 People Killed in Damaturu Suicide Attack

19 People Killed in Damaturu Suicide Attack

19 persons were killed in a suicide attack today at a market in Damaturu, the Yobe state capital, the state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, has lamented.

But the casualty figure by police is slightly lower than the one given by the governor, the Police Public Relations officer of the state Police command. ASP Toyin Gbadegesin, who told journalists that the attack committed by a female suicide bomber who is about ten years old, said 15 persons were killed in the attack.

He said the minor detonated an Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) at the main entrance of the market at about 9:30am.

He said at the moment 15 people have been killed while 47 others are receiving treatment at the Sani Abacha specialists hospital in Damaturu.

The PPRO also revealed that five units of undetonated IEDs were also recovered from the scene of the blast and caution people to be careful with people carrying bags as the militants have resorted to using bags in conveying their explosive devices.

A source, who preferred anonymity told our correspondent on phone that  high security presences was noticed at the market.

He equally said a combine rescue team of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Red Cross among other volunteers were on ground to evacuate the death as well as take those injured to the hospital.

The Yobe state governor in a statement by his Director of Press, Abdullahi Bego described the attack as horrific.

Bego said the governor "has been briefed about the horrific bomb attack in a market in Damaturu today, in which 19 people were killed and many others injured."

He said: "This is another sad day in our State in which innocent people were again the target of blood-thirsty terrorists. 

"His Excellency Governor Gaidam's thoughts and prayers are with the families of victims and those who sustained injuries. The governor has condemned the attack as callous, barbaric and unjustifiable."

Bego added that: "He (the governor) has also called on security agencies in the State to step up surveillance and the people to remain very vigilant about happenings in their areas and report any suspicious persons or movements to the nearest security point or jurisdiction."

He equally said: "The governor has also directed hospital authories at the Sani Abatcha Specialist Hospital,  Damaturu where the injured have been taken for medical attention to provide IMMEDIATE and FREE medical attention to victims."

Sunday blast is coming six days after suicide bombers in a highlander Jeep detonated an IED at a police check point at the entrance of Damaturu the Yobe state capital.