Two suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers struck early Friday in the town of Damboa, 70km away from Maiduguri, the Borno state capital, killing six Muslim worshippers, officials have said.
The attacks happened separately, the military said, and only the second bomber was able to hit his target, killing six people. The attacker also died.
Army spokesperson, Sani Usman, said the first bomber headed for the biggest mosque in the village, but was subdued by soldiers deployed there. His explosive went off and the bomber was the only casualty, bringing the death toll to eight, Mr. Usman said.
“The first suicide bomber targeted Damboa Central Mosque but due to stringent security measures, he could not gain entry. Obviously frustrated, he exploded and died near the Central Mosque.
“However, the second bomber veered off and gained entry into another smaller mosque and detonated the bomb, killing himself and 6 other worshippers and injuring one other person. The wounded has been evacuated to a hospital while efforts are on to clear the rubbles. Troops and other security agencies have been mobilised to the area.
“In a related development, suspected elements of Boko Haram terrorists in a survival bid attacked Gaskeri village ahead of Dalori yesterday evening, where they killed 3 civilian vigilantes and looted foodstuffs. Troops have been mobilised and they are on the suspected terrorists’ trail.
“Similarly, as part of the efforts to keep Maiduguri-Dikwa-Gamboru Ngala road open and safe, troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade yesterday escorted 4 trailers and 44 other vehicles from Dikwa to Gamboru Ngala yesterday. The escort duties would continue.
“Troops of 3 Battalion ambushed Boko Haram terrorists at Gajibo crossing point and recovered one AK-47 rifle loaded with magazine, a transistor radio and a knife on 6th July 2016.