Multiple bomb blasts in Borno

Maiduguri, the Borno State capital yesterday was again hit by multiple bomb explosions believed to have been executed by the Boko Haram sect. Three soldiers were feared dead while unspecified numbers of soldiers and civilians were reportedly injured. Residents said the first explosion occurred at about 12:00 noon at Bolori area, as suspected Boko Haram bombers reportedly targeted a Joint Task Force (JTF) patrol vehicle.

The sound from the blast was said to have caused panic and in the ensuing confusion, the targeted JTF vehicle reportedly veered off the road and hit the perimeter fence of a private secondary school in the area.

Hours later, another bomb blast occurred in the Customs area along Gamboru Road. Two suspected bombers were said to be pushing a car laden with Improvised Explosive Devises (IEDs) and on sighting an oncoming JTF patrol vehicle, detonated the explosive devices, killing three soldiers and injuring some civilians. Eye witnesses said they saw bodies of soldiers evacuated from the scene, but could not ascertain if the affected soldiers were dead.

Another twin bomb went off at about 5.38p.m barely an hour after the eight governors of the newly formed All Progressives Party (APC) had departed the state. A dependable source at the Government House said the security hierarchy has forewarned on attempts of the Boko Haram to disrupt the meeting of the eight governors. The meeting was held at the Government House about 15 kilometres away from the scenes of the explosion.

Reacting, JTF spokesman, Lt. Col. Sagir Musa said the bomb explosions were targeted at the personnel of the task force on patrol but maintained only one soldier was injured. One civilian died, two civilian and a soldier were wounded,” Lt. Col. Sagir disclosed.