The death toll from the recent suicide bombings in the Gwoza area of Borno has climbed to 18, according to an official.
The explosions were allegedly set off by female suicide bombers, suspected to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist group.
However, reports suggested that the actual death toll might be closer to 30.
Initially, the police reported six fatalities, but the Borno State Emergency Management Agency has now confirmed 18 deaths.
The Director-General of Borno SEMA, Barkindo Saidu, stated in a situation report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria that the victims included adult males, females, and children.
Saidu detailed that the first explosion occurred at a wedding ceremony, followed by a second blast during the funeral service of the initial victims when another female suicide bomber attacked the congregation.
He said, “The first bomb blast occurred around 3pm in the midst of a wedding ceremony. A few minutes later, another bomb blast occurred at General Hospital Gwoza. In the midst of sorrow, the people in the community gathered for the funeral congregation of the deceased people, (and) another suicide bomber denoted a bomb.
“Nineteen people with serious injuries were transported to Maiduguri in four ambulances, while 23 others are awaiting military escort at the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic. Saidu mentioned, “I am now coordinating for a chopper tonight. I have mobilised emergency drugs to complement the shortage of drugs in Gwoza.
“The degree of injuries range from abdominal raptures, skull and limb fractures. I have also received a report that there is a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka.”
Pulka is a village near Gwoza town. The coordinated attacks, which have shocked the residents of Borno, echo the intense period of insurgency experienced between 2014 and 2024.
It was reported that there were four separate suicide incidents on Saturday in the Gwoza area, targeting locations where the Boko Haram faction led by Ali Ngulde operates.
This group has faced suppression from its breakaway faction, the Islamic State West African Province following the death of its leader, Abubakar Shekau.
Under Shekau, the group frequently used female members and captives for suicide bombing missions.
