The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Wednesday morning’s attack on a mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital in which 22 people were killed and 18 others injured, was carried out by two suicide bombers.
According to reports, the attack in Umarari Village, about 5km south of Maiduguri, occurred during early morning prayers.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, said in a statement that the first attack targeted a mosque while the second occurred about 50 metres away, and few minutes later.
“This is to confirm that there were twin person-borne improvised explosive attack carried out by two female carriers in Ummarari village near Molai, outskirts of Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, this morning”, the statement said.
“Sadly, 22 people were killed and 18 others sustained various degrees of injuries”.
“Troops, security agents and care givers have been mobilized to scene, while the wounded have been evacuated to Molai General Hospital for treatment.
“The troops, security agents and the Civilian JTF have secured the area and are combing the environment for possible clues”.
Sani, a Colonel, who commiserated with the families of the victims of this dastardly act, reassured the public of the Nigerian Army’s resolve to continue to rout the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they may be hiding.
“We will not rest on our oars until all those that masterminded this latest heinous and other similar crimes are apprehended and brought to justice”, the army spokesman vowed.
“Meanwhile, we implore the members of the public to be more security conscious, cooperate with the troops and security agencies. They should also please report any suspicious persons, objects or happenings to troops or security agencies at all times”, the statement said.
