A tragic incident unfolded in Gwoza town, Borno, Nigeria, when a female suicide bomber detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at a bustling motor park, resulting in the deaths of no fewer than six individuals and injuring 15 others.
The attack, confirmed by Borno State Commissioner of Police Yusuf Lawal, took place at Marrarraban Gwoza, a central location known for its heavy traffic.
Commissioner Lawal stated, “The Divisional Police Officer in Gwoza informed us that the attack was carried out by a female suicide bomber. We have lost at least six lives, and 15 people have been evacuated to the hospital for treatment.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion targeted a wedding ceremony, disrupting what should have been a day of joy. Buba, a witness, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), “The attack shattered the joy and celebration of the special day, leaving families and loved ones in mourning.”
Another witness, Muhammed Kasim, described the chaotic scene: “We heard a loud sound of explosives, accompanied by dust; then we saw bodies on the ground.”
According to a source from the Joint Task Force (JTF), who spoke anonymously to newsmen, “I’m not too sure of the exact number of those who were killed because I was not at the exact event. Some people are mentioning six, others seven, but the figure might be higher. It was a wedding party, and many guests were in attendance.”
The JTF source also revealed, “The first explosion was at the wedding venue in Gwoza town. The bomber, a young mother carrying a baby, detonated the IED at Tashan Mararaba near the Fire Service.”
Adding to the horror, a second bomber targeted mourners at the burial ground for the initial victims. “Another bomber, disguised as a mourner, detonated another IED during the funeral preparations, killing more people and injuring several others,” the source said.
ZagaZola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert, confirmed the subsequent attack during the funeral in a post on his social media account: “Another bomber, disguised as a mourner, detonated an explosive device as the people were preparing for the funeral of the victims killed earlier. At least one additional person died, and 16 others were injured.”
In response to the attacks, the military has imposed a curfew in Gwoza to facilitate thorough patrols and to prevent further incidents.
