Martins Owoseni

BORNO, Nigeria – A female suicide bomber has detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a wedding venue in Gwoza town, Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, killing several wedding guests and injuring many others.

The wedding was held on Saturday at Tashan Mararaba near the Fire Service in Gwoza town.

A survivor told local broadcaster, Channels Television that the bomber was carrying a baby on her back when she stormed the venue and detonated the IED.

The number of dead persons is yet to be figured out but several of the injured persons are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Gwoza including the source.

Police could not be reached for comments.

The First Class Emir of Gwoza local government, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta on Saturday confirmed that multiple suicide attacks were carried out at various locations, including a wedding reception and a burial ceremony in Gwoza town.

The coordinated incidents which took place in the afternoon have caused pandemonium as people scamper for safety.

“More than 30 innocent civilians were killed with over 100 sustained various degrees of injuries, even as many of the victims have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention,” a source told local newspaper, Vanguard.

Emir Timta told the newspaper, “The entire Gwoza council area is in serious mourning following multiple suicide attacks on our community.

“The first suicide attack was masterminded by an unidentified woman who sneaked with two children into a wedding reception of a popular young man in Gwoza, she detonated her Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) killing herself and many people.

“Few minutes after, another suicide bomber sneaked into a burial ceremony nearby and detonated Improvised Explosive Devices, and as am talking to you now, the third explosion just occurred a few minutes ago with more casualties.

“At least, over 100 people were injured, and most of them who sustained serious injuries have been rushed to Maiduguri with military escort for proper medical attention.

“This is just a preliminary confirmation, as details of the casualties are still yet unknown, but I will keep you posted on any developments.”

Reacting to the incidents, a member representing Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa federal constituency, Ahmed Usman Jaha a.k.a Babawo, sympathized with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the multiple attacks, even as he prayed Allah to grant the souls of the deceased Aljannatul Firdaus, and wished those who sustained injuries quick recovery.

Gwoza, a town in southern Borno borders the Cameroun Republic. It was hitherto declared Boko Haram Territory after it was captured by insurgents with hundreds of people killed before it was later liberated by troops.

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