By Olarewaju Kola
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) – Two female suicide bombers targeting a crowded bus and truck station in the city of Maiduguri, northeastern Nigeria were killed by explosive devices strapped to their bodies, police said Monday.
Police spokesman and Deputy Superintendent Victor Isuku said in a statement that the bombers targeted Muna Garage, near the edge of the city, where a series of explosions have occurred this year.
The blast happened late Sunday but the police did not respond to Anadolu Agency’s inquiries until Monday morning, citing evacuation and rescue operation at the scene as reasons for the delay.
“At About 2030hrs [1930GMT], two female suicide bombers were halted to stop for a routine check at Geleri, about 5 kilometers from Muna Garage, an outskirt of Maiduguri.
“One of the suicide bombers detonated an IED strapped to her body, killing her and her accomplice, whose IED vest did not explode,” said Isuku.
He said three residents of the area were injured, though eyewitnesses said more than five wounded persons were evacuated from the scene after the incident.
Two of the injured are critical condition, a senior medical officer at the Specialists Hospital Maiduguri told Anadolu Agency on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking with the media.
The bomb blast was the ninth in the series of suicide attacks that have occurred around the city exit road in the last six months, killing at least 15 people.
“The Sunday night bomb attack further raised our fears that Boko Haram could be hiding somewhere on the outskirts of the city, preparing suicide bombers for more attacks. We are concerned about the incessant bomb explosions around Muna Garage,” said Bulama Mohammad, a local community leader.
