Boko Haram strikes again in Borno, kills 18

No fewer than18 persons lost their lives even as about 22 others suffered varying injuries when three suicide bombers invaded a remote community market in Borno State on Friday night.

The suicide bombers, suspected to be members of the terrorist group Boko Haram, reportedly sacked Kasuwan Kifi village in Konduga local government area of the state, which is about 25km southeast of Maiduguri.

The bombers were said to have denoted themselves in the market – where food items are mostly sold – at about 8pm leaving residents of the area scampering for safety.

Confirming the attack, the state Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, said it was unfortunate the bombing took place despite proactive measures adopted by the police to decongest the market.

He said: “There were many people there frying bean cake (kose/akara), yams and other consumables.

“There were also young men playing snookers there. The bombers detonated explosives at about 8pm yesterday (Friday night), killing themselves and 18 others. Twenty others were also injured.”

The CP added that, “those injured have been evacuated and rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for treatment.”