Barkindo Saidu, the director-general of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), has confirmed more blasts in Gwoza and the rise in the number of people killed to 18.

Mr Saidu said in a situation report that the death comprised adult males, females and children. 

According to the SEMA chief, the first blast by a suicide bomber took place at a wedding ceremony, while the second blast occurred at the funeral service of victims when another female suicide bomber rushed into the congregation.

The SEMA boss said, “In my presence at about exactly 3:00 p.m., the first bomb blast in Gwoza occurred, detonated by a female suicide Bomber in the middle of the marriage ceremony celebration. This affected more than 30 persons with various levels of injuries and instant deaths.

“Some minutes later, another blast occurred around General Hospital, and again at the funeral services (Janaiza), another lady rushed into the congratulation and detonated another one with (a) lot of casualties.”

Mr Saidu added, “We were in the Hospital coordinating the rescue mission, and another one exploded from a female teenager.”

He disclosed that 19 were critically wounded and had been ferried to Maiduguri in four ambulances.

Mr Saidu said, “Twenty-three 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 ranges from abdominal ruptures to skull and limb fractures. I have also received a report that there is a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka.”

Pulka is a village not too far from Gwoza. 

The coordinated attacks took many by surprise and shocked Borno residents, who experienced several suicide bombings at the height of the insurgency between 2024 and 2014. 

(NAN)