Security forces in Borno state arrested two suspected female suicide bombers on Sunday, after multiple blasts killed at least 23 people and injured several others in Gwoza area.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) reported that on Saturday, four suicide bombers detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Gwoza Local Government Area, killing 18 people immediately.
Recent reports suggest that over 30 female suicide bombers were sent to Gwoza, but only four IEDs have been detonated so far.
Authorities have launched a large-scale search for the remaining bombers who may still be hiding in Gwoza after entering from Pulka and the Mandara mountains.
An eyewitness described how one of the bombers, approaching from Pulka, panicked during military questioning at a checkpoint and detonated her IED, killing herself, a soldier, and a civilian JTF member.
SEMA Director-General Barkindo Saidu witnessed the first blast, which happened around 3 pm during a wedding celebration. The explosion caused immediate deaths and numerous injuries. Shortly after, another blast occurred near the General Hospital.
A survivor said the first bomber, carrying a baby on her back, detonated her IED at the wedding venue. As people gathered to bury the dead, a third bomber, a woman, detonated another IED, causing more casualties with injuries including abdominal ruptures and skull and limb fractures.
While emergency officials were coordinating rescue efforts at the hospital, a fourth blast was set off by a female teenager.
So far, 23 deaths have been reported, including children, adult men and women, and pregnant women. Seriously injured individuals were transported to Maiduguri for extensive medical care.
Evacuations continued into the night, and the military imposed a curfew in Gwoza LGA following the attacks.
News Central reports that Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks and warned that there will be severe consequences for perpetrators.
The United Nations (UN) through the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Mohamed Malick Fall, condemned the killings and called for the protection of the civilian population in the country.