Over 40 Killed, 70 Wounded In Maiduguri Bomb Blast

Death toll in the bomb explosion that shut down commercial activities in Maiduguri, Borno State capital today has been put at over 40 with more than 70 others critically wounded. The bomb which exploded near the Maiduguri Monday market around 8am local time was said to have been concealed in a Peugeot saloon car killing traders and members of the civilian JTF. Briefing Governor Kashim Shettima at the scene of the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, Lawan Tanko said the car which carried charcoal, was laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), adding that "the blast occurred when the IEDs hidden in the charcoal went off thereby creating crater at the middle of the road and many died." Also narrating what happened to the governor, chairman of Civilian JTF in Sector 3, Illiya Saidu said 17 bodies were recovered from the scene, adding that 15 of the victims were members of the vigilante group who had accosted the suicide bomber. About 70 persons wounded in the attack were moved to various hospitals in the city even as the blast destroyed some parts of the market and about 11 vehicles mostly taxis parked at a mini-motor park opposite the scene. After listening to various accounts of the incident, Gov. Shettima condemned the attack on innocent residents stressing that "We will not be deterred from providing services to our people despite Boko Haram antics." Overall Secretary General of the Civilian JTF, Tijani Abba however told journalists that more than 40 people died, adding that 21 bodies were evacuated from the scene shortly after the attack while another 20 charred bodies were later discovered.