18 reported dead, 15 injured in morning explosion

monjola sotubo

October 12, 2016 11:56 AM

The explosion occurred at Muna garage on the way to Gamboru Ngala on the outskirts of Maiduguri.

A car burns following an explosion (File Photo)

18 people have been reported dead in

The explosion occurred at about 9am at Muna garage, which is on the way to Gamboru Ngala on the outskirts of the state capital.

News of the incident was first announced by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) via Twitter.

“There is a reported case of bomb blast around Muna Garage. Emergency workers are on their way to the scene," NEMA said.

There have been varying casualty figures released to the media, but a source at the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital told Daily Trust that at least 18 bodies had been dropped in the hospital’s mortuary and more were being expected.

However, NEMA is reporting eight deaths and also says that 15 people were left injured in the attack.

“About eight (8) persons lost their lives, fifteen (15) injured persons were evacuated to Specialist and Teaching Hospitals, Maiduguri,” it tweeted.

It’s not yet clear if the attack was caused by a suicide bomber, but it is believed to be the work of terrorist sect, Boko Haram.

“I thank God for sparing my life. I don’t know if it is a suicide bomber, we just heard the blast and I saw my self covered with dust,” a trader, Usman Kachalla, told Premium Times.

ALSO READ: Buhari condemns Maiduguri suicide attack

The latest bombing comes as a surprise due to the diminished capacity of the sect which has prevented it from carrying out such attacks in recent times.

monjola sotubo