Nigerian Army Releases Statement About Independence Day Blast in Maiduguri

Suspected members of the Boko Haram sect struck in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, late Thursday, killing an unspecified number of people.

The attacks targeted the Ajilari Cross evening market area and neighbouring Gomari, hitting worshippers at a mosque and football fans watching a televised match.

Maiduguri has been on edge since the last round of bombings, with locals fearing further bloodshed.

“Other items include 192 of 25 litres jerrycans, out of which 70 were loaded with AGO, PMS and DPK, a Toyota bus, one Peugeot auto, a motorcycle and an air conditioner”, he said. He did not specify how many.

Trader Faruq Ali said a third device went off at a mosque in Binta Sugar area, which is also heavily populated and close by.

“I am urging all of you to be always security conscious by promptly reporting any suspicious movement to the military and all other security agencies, before this madness destroys all of us here in this state”.

Exact details of the blasts and casualties are unlikely to emerge until Friday, as Maiduguri is subject to a nighttime curfew.

“Some cattle were killed after drinking water from poisoned sources”, army spokesman Tukur Gusau said, adding that Boko Haram militants had “resorted to poisoning wells and streams” in areas from which they had recently been driven by the army.

“The terrorists among whom were commanders, suppliers and foot soldiers confirmed to have taken part in several terrorists attacks especially on Bama town, Borno, surrendered, ” the statement said.

In an address to the nation delivered Thursday, President Mohammadu Buhari reiterated his vow to end the country’s six-year Boko Haram insurgency.

London-based Amnesty has previously called for more to be done to protect civilians in the conflict, which since 2009 has killed at least 17,000 and left more than two million homeless, mainly in Nigeria.