10-yr-old girl, elderly woman kill 50 in Eid Prayer Ground blasts

monjola sotubo

July 17, 2015 1:08 PM

According to the Acting Director for Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, 43 persons died in the first explosion while seven others lost their lives in the second explosion.

Scene of explosion (Photo used for illustrative purposes only)

Two explosions which hit Eid Prayer Grounds in Damaturu, Yobe State have claimed 50 lives, the Nigerian Army has said.

The attacks were reportedly carried out by a 10-year-old girl and an elderly woman who detonated devices at screening areas for Muslim faithful at the Layin Gwange and "Phase One" areas of the capital city.

According to the Acting Director for Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, 43 persons died in the first explosion while seven others lost their lives in the second explosion.

“The situation is under control. Both Yobe State Governor and the Chief of Army Staff sympathise with and urged the people to stay calm and be security conscious,” Usman said via a statement.

“No amount of terrorist act will deter our resolve to stamp out terrorism and insurgency,” he added.

An earlier explosion at the Gombe Central Market also claimed 49 lives on Thursday, July 16.

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