In what may seem a series of coordinated terrorist attacks, Boko Haram appears to have hit several targets in Borno state using suspected female suicide bombers.
Sources familiar with the developing story say the attacks occurred at various locations between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.
The first explosion occurred during a wedding ceremony in Mararaban Gwoza. The second attack targeted a security checkpoint, claiming the lives of a soldier and two civilians. The third and fourth bombings took place at a shopping mall and a burial ground, respectively.
Police have confirmed all incidents. State Commissioner of Police, Yusuf Lawal, put the casualties at 6 persons including a soldier. Another 15 wounded, many of them seriously and have been evacuated to hospitals.
These incidents took place in areas where the Boko Haram faction led by Ali Ngulde operates. The group had been under pressure from a breakaway faction, Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), following the death of its leader, Abubakar Shekau.
This suicide bombing could represent an escalation of terrorism in the besieged Borno State in North East Nigeria where Boko Haram ravaged for over a decade. Boko Haram typically used suicide bombers as its primary mode of terror campaign.
The group was once thought to have been decapitated by the state, but seems to still be alive and well. This could mark another round of tough political and security challenge for Nigeria’s new southern president, Bola Tinubu.
In 2015, Boko Haram terror in North East Nigeria helped to bring down the government of another southern President, Goodluck Jonathan.
Please comment and share this article, & Follow us on our social media handles.
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
