According to Vanguard, Penultimate Saturday, the Emir of Gwoza in Borno State, Alhaji Mohammed Shehu Timta, confirmed that multiple suicide bombings devastated his town, resulting in over 30 deaths and more than 100 injuries. The attacks targeted various locations, including a wedding reception and a burial ceremony.
Tragically, two children who accompanied one of the bombers into the wedding reception were among the deceased. The incidents caused widespread panic, with many residents fleeing in fear.
Initial reports from the police, represented by spokesman Kenneth Daso, indicated 18 dead and fewer than 30 injured. However, Vice President Kashim Shettima, visiting victims at Maiduguri State Specialist Hospital, stated that 32 had died and over 100 were injured.
Eyewitnesses described the chaos, with one recounting, “More than 30 innocent civilians were killed, and over 100 sustained various degrees of injury. Many victims have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention.”
Emir Timta detailed the harrowing events: “An unidentified woman, accompanied by two children, detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at a wedding reception, killing herself, the children, and many attendees. Shortly after, another bomber struck a burial ceremony nearby. As I speak, a third explosion has just occurred, adding to the casualties.”
The injured, many in serious condition, were rushed to Maiduguri with military escorts for medical care.
Ahmed Usman Jaha, the representative for Gwoza/Chibok/Damboa Federal Constituency, expressed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the deceased. Jaha also called for enhanced security measures to prevent further attacks.
Gwoza, a town in southern Borno bordering Cameroon, had previously been declared Boko Haram territory until it was reclaimed by the military. Following the attacks, the Director General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mohammed Barkindo, confirmed the incidents and extended condolences to the Nigerian Army for the loss of one of its personnel, as well as to the families of a Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) member and other civilians who perished in the bombings.