SIX persons have been killed as two suicide bombers detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a wedding venue in Gwoza town, Borno State.
According to a survivor, the first bomber was a nursing mother carrying a baby on her back when she stormed the venue and detonated the IED.
The wedding was held on Saturday at Tashan Mararaba near the Fire Service in Gwoza town.
The bomber identified as a young mother in her twenties pretended to be a guest at the wedding.
While trying to bury the dead persons, another bomber disguised as a mourner detonated an IED at the burial ground, killing one person.
The injured are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Gwoza.
A security source told this newspaper that it was not clear whether bomb blast or suicide bombers.
“We had twin blasts today; the first occurred around Hausari and the second around Mararaba area where people sell bicycles and items,” the source said.
Soldiers have reportedly taken over the streets of Gwoza.
However, counter insurgency expert, ZagaZola Makama, said the attack occurred during a funeral.
In a post on his X handle, he wrote: “Another bomber who disguised as a mourner, has detonated another explosive device in Gwoza LGA as the people were preparing for the funeral of the victims killed in an attack few hours ago.
The victims, who were all civilians, were gathered to pay their respects to the deceased when the attack occurred. Atleast one additional person died while 16 others were injured and rushed to the hospital. Meanwhile a curfew has been announced in Gwoza by the military to enable them senitise the town from any further threat.”
Borno State Commissioner of Police (CP), Yusuf Lawal, confirmed the attack saying it was carried out by a female suicide bomber.
Lawal said he was informed by the Divisional Police Officer in Gwoza, that at least six people were killed with 15 others evacuated to the hospital.