Not fewer than twenty (20) persons were killed and fifty-two (52) others injured in the four suicide bomb attacks that took place on Saturday, June 29, 2024 in Gwoza local government area of Borno State, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba who made this known in a statement said the injured 52 persons are receiving treatment.
General Buba while commiserating with the victims said the terrorists have resorted to suicide bombing due to military successes in the theatre.
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He explained that the first suicide bombing happened at about 1500hrs, when a female suicide bomber disguised as a beggar and invaded a wedding reception at Mararaba Hausari Street where she detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
The Defence spokesperson added that at about 1700hrs, while efforts was on to stabilise and move casualties of the initial explosion to hospital for further treatment, there was a second detonation from another female suicide bomber.
General Buba said the second explosion took place on the same street and in close proximity to the first explosion.
Director said following the incident, troops immediately imposed a curfew on the community to get members of the community indoors and prevent further casualties.
However, while troops and hybrid forces were enforcing the curfew, a third explosion occurred targeting the troops enforcing the curfew.
He added that the troops were attacked from behind by a third lady strapped with IED vest killing one soldier and two members of hybrid forces.
General Buba said the fourth incident was averted when the suspect was identified early enough and therefore, detonated the bomb prematurely hence, became the only casualty.
“On the whole, 20 persons were killed while 52 sustained various degree of injuries and receiving treatment.
“The armed forces views every life lost as a result of the ongoing war, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy. The sad loss of lives are a tragedy for the society, community and the nation.
“Accordingly, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen C.G. Musa, officers and members of the armed forces, we express our condolences even as we mourn with all who have lost loved ones. We also commiserate with all victims needing healing and recovery,” Musa said.
He stated further that the despicable act of suicide bombing “is a response to recent successes in ongoing military operations”.
“Indeed, our recent operations has decapitated the leadership of the terrorists, depleted their resources, reduced their support base and reduced their influence”.
He added, “The terrorists embarked on these cowardly attacks against innocent citizens to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline.”
The Director therefore urged citizen to see through the smoke screen of the terrorists which aims to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic among the general population.
He said the military on the other hand is aware that in this phase of their ending life-cycle, “the terrorist are desperate to attract attention, bolster relevancy, mobilise new recruits, reduce support for the armed forces and reduce support for the government.
“Accordingly, we call on citizens to stand united, remain vigilant, and continue to support efforts of the armed forces to ensure a secure and peaceful future”.
He assured that “the fate of the terrorists that perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield,” Maj.-Gen. Buba vowed.
