Teenage suicide bomber kills 9 in explosion

A teenage suicide bomber has killed 9 people in Borno State after detonating an improvised explosive, an army spokesperson has said.

According to Colonel Sani Usman, the explosion occurred in the Bensheik area of the state on Sunday, December 20, 2015, Leadership reports.

“At about 8.30pm 3 suspected suicide bombers ranging from 10 to 15 years went into Benisheikh, Borno State. They were spotted by ever vigilant Borno State Youth Empowerment Scheme (Civilian JTF) who suspected something fishy about them. Indeed, one of them was laden with Improvised Explosive Device (IED),” Usman said.

“While the Civilian JTF was in the process of screening the suspect following the necessary drills and precautions, the carrier detonated the IED, that led to the death of 9 people while 24 others sustained various degrees of injuries.

“The security and emergency management agents have mobilized to the scene. The bodies have been evacuated and all those injured are receiving medical attention. The security agencies have intensified patrols and security checks in the area.

“While we condemn this dastardly act and commiserate with the families of these that lost their lives and the injured, it is pertinent to reiterate the need for more security consciousness and vigilance by all especially during the yuletide and New Year holidays,” he added.

Meanwhile, Usman also said that soldiers had killed a notorious Boko Haram chieftain during an operation in the state.

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