No fewer than 22 persons were killed and 28 others injured in a multiple suicide bombing at a market in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the incident occurred on Friday at about 9:00 PM, when three suicide bombers detonated explosives at the “Kasuwar Kifi” in the outskirts of Konduga town.
A witness, Idrissa Bana, said the three suicide bombers simultaneously detonated the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) on their bodies in the crowded market.
Bana said that the explosives killed 22 persons and 28 others sustained injuries, adding that those injured were evacuated to a hospital in Maiduguri.
“There were a lot of people doing last minute shopping when the suicide bombers hit the market,” he said.
A competent security source confirmed the incident, adding that at the moment the identity of the suicide bombers and exact number of causalities could not be ascertain for now.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army on Friday dismissed as “misleading” reports indicating that the Boko Haram factional leader, Abubakar Shekau, escaped to Cameroun.
Sani Kukasheka, the Director, Army Public Relations, said in a statement issued in Maiduguri that the army was not aware of the whereabouts of the fugitive Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.
Mr Kukasheka said that the army was in a manhunt for Shekau, adding that N3 million was offered as reward for any credible information that would lead to his arrest.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a news story on some news medium, alleging that the wanted factional terrorists’ group leader, Abubakar Shekau, is in Kolofata, Republic of Cameroun.
“The report alleged that a top Boko Haram commander; Abdullahi Bello, alias Abu Zainab, who was captured by the Nigerian Army on February 14, disclosed that Shekau escaped to Cameroun.
“This is not true; the Nigerian Army did not arrest such person, neither do we have such suspect in our custody.
“Contrary to the allegations; the Nigerian Army is not aware of the whereabouts of Abubakar Shekau, hence the reward of the sum of N3 million for any credible information on his whereabouts”.
Mr Kukasheka called on reporters to cross check their facts with the military authorities before publication.
NAN
