SAN FRANCISCO, July 26, (THEWILL) – A 10-year-old female suicide bomber Sunday morning rocked a market in Damaturu,the Yobe State capital, killing no fewer than 19 persons .
The state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, disclosed this in a statement signed by his Director of Press, Abdullahi Bego, describing the attack as horrific.
The statement 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.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Also confirming the attack was the Police Public Relations officer of the State Police Command. ASP Toyin Gbadegesin.
He confirmed that the attack was carried out by a female suicide bomber who is about ten years old, saying 15 persons were killed in the attack.
According to Gbadegesin, the girl detonated an Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) at the main entrance of the market at about 9:30am.
On the casualty figure, he said 15 persons were killed while 47 others are receiving treatment at the Sani Abacha specialists hospital in Damaturu.
He also disclosed that five units of undetonated IEDs were also recovered from the scene of the blast as he warned residents of the state to be careful with people carrying bags as the insurgents have resorted to using bags in conveying their explosive devices.
Local sources told THEWILL that high security presence was noticed at the market, adding that a combine rescue team of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Red Cross among other volunteers were already on ground to evacuate the death as well as take those injured to the hospital.
