FRESH SUICIDE BOMB ATTACK IN BORNO CLAIMS 20 LIVES, LEAVING 48 INJURED
A fresh bomb explosion at Abbatchari village in Zambia Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday, has left no fewer than 20 persons killed, and at least 48 severely injured.
The attack came at a time the army announced that the return of 2,000 residents displaced by insurgency in the state back to their homes.
A militant leader, Babakura Kolo, said: “There were two suicide attacks and rocket-propelled grenade explosions in Damboa last night (Saturday), which killed 31 people and left several others injured.”
Another source, who corroborated Kolo’s statement, said: “Following the suicide bombings, the jihadists fired rocket-propelled grenades into the crowds that had gathered at the scene of the attacks, driving the number of casualties higher.’’
Another resident of Damboa, who gave his name as Modu Usman, said: “There were two suicide attacks and rocket-propelled grenade explosions in Damboa last night (Saturday) which killed over 40 people and left several others injured.
“The suicide bombers detonated their explosives in Shuwari and nearby Abbatchari neighbourhoods in the town in the evening yesterday (Saturday), killing and injuring many people.”
It was learned that the injured were taken to Damboa General Hospital where they are currently receiving treatment, while the dead have been evacuated to the morgue of the same hospital.
Confirming the attack, yesterday, Borno State Police Commissioner, Damian Chukwu, said 20 persons were killed.
He said: “At about quarter to nine, yesterday night (Saturday), a loud explosion was heard at Abbatchari village, along Damboa/Chibok road. The DPO mobilised our men from the SARS and civilian JTF to the scene and found 20 people dead and 48 others injured.”
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