Multiple bomb blasts have just occurred at Buhari Housing Estate in Damaturu, Yobe state.
The State Emergency Management Agency, (SEMA) confirmed 16 people dead and 10 others injured. The injured have been rushed to Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu-Biu road for treatment.
The explosions took place around Ministry of Housing quarters and Buhari Housing Estate in the early hours of this morning, October 7.
According to Bashir Idris Garga, the National Emergency Management Agency coordinator for Yobe state, the first blast happened at a small food store at a housing estate, killing four. Another occurred near a mosque killing one, while another exploded at a Fulani settlement on the outskirts of the city leaving nine dead.
Report has it that the attack was carried out by two female suicide bombers suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect.
Speaking to AP, a resident Ibrahim Musa said: “One of the suicide bombers gained entry into the mosque and detonated explosives and the other bomber was sighted roaming around the compound and (when) asked questions, she too detonated explosives.”
Meanwhile, the Yobe state police public relations officer, ASP Toyin Gbadegesin told journalists that 18 people were killed and 8 others suffered critical injuries.
Normalcy is said to have returned to the state capital as workers and other residents have resumed their normal business and schools have opened.
In a related development, Nigerian troops repelled an attack on the 120th Task Force Battalion, in Goniri, Yobe state, by members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect. The troops clashed with the fleeing insurgents in the early hours of Wednesday 07/10/2015.
The casualty figures on the side of Boko Haram were put at more than 100. Seven soldiers were killed while 1 officer and 8 soldiers were wounded during the encounter.
The Nigerian army has said they are winning the war against Boko Haram insurgency. However, the insurgents are still attacking parts of the country. On October 2, twin bomb blasts occurred in Kuje area and Jukwoyi bus station after the Nyanya bridge in Abuja.
In reaction, President Muhammadu Buhari said despite the attack, the end of the Boko Haram insurgency is near. He also restated his resolve to continue to fight terrorism.
