[ad_1]
Security operatives have made steady progress in their efforts to prevent further loss of life and property in different locations in Gwoza following the arrest of two female suicide bombers on Sunday.
Four suicide bombers detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) in Gowoza, Borno State on Saturday, killing 18 people, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said.
Latest reports from Borno State indicate that at least 30 female suicide bombers were sent to Gwoza to wreak havoc and so far, the suicide bombers have only detonated four improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Authorities have since launched a massive manhunt for the remaining suicide bombers who may still be lurking in Gwalza after sneaking into the area from Purka and Mandala hills.
An eyewitness explained that a female bomber from the Pulka Axis panicked during military interrogation at a checkpoint and detonated an IED, killing herself, a soldier, and a civilian JTF member.
Barkindo Saidu, director of Sierra Leone’s Emergency Management Agency, said he witnessed the first explosion. “I witnessed the first explosion in Gowoza at around 3pm, when a female suicide bomber blew herself up at a wedding celebration,” he wrote in a situation report later that day.
Also read:18 killed in suicide bombing at wedding and funeral procession in Borno state
“The blast affected more than 30 people, who suffered varying degrees of injuries and some died on the spot. A few minutes later, another explosion occurred near the general hospital,” he said
One survivor said the first bomber was carrying a baby on his back when he rushed into the venue and detonated the improvised explosive device.
As people gathered to bury the victims of the wedding, the third bomber, a woman, detonated another IED, causing numerous casualties, with injuries ranging from ruptured abdomens to fractured skulls and limbs, Saidu said.
As emergency workers coordinated a rescue mission at the hospital, a fourth explosion was set off by a teenage girl.
“So far, 18 people have died, including children, adult men, women and pregnant women. 19 seriously injured were taken to Maiduguri in four ambulances,” Saidu said.
He said 23 people were waiting for military escort at the Medical Mission Services (MRS) clinic.
The evacuation of the wounded continued till late in the night and the SEMA Director General was in Gwoza when the attack took place.
The military has imposed a curfew in Gowoza Local Government Area following the attack.
[ad_2]
Source link
