The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that twenty (20) people were killed and fifty-two (52) others injured in a series of suicide bomb attacks that occurred on Saturday, June 29, 2024, in Gwoza local government area of Borno State.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the injured are currently receiving medical treatment.
Major General Buba expressed condolences to the victims and attributed the suicide bombings to the military's recent successes against terrorist forces in the region.
He provided a detailed account of the attacks, which began at approximately 1500hrs when a female suicide bomber, disguised as a beggar, infiltrated a wedding reception on Mararaba Hausari Street and detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
As efforts were underway to stabilize and transport casualties from the initial explosion to the hospital, a second female suicide bomber detonated another IED at about 1700hrs in close proximity to the first blast site.
This
second explosion compounded the chaos and increased the number of casualties.
In response to the attacks, troops swiftly imposed a curfew to secure the community and prevent further casualties.
However, during the enforcement of the curfew, a third explosion occurred when another female suicide bomber targeted the troops, killing one soldier and two members of the hybrid forces.
A fourth bombing attempt was thwarted when the suspect was identified and the bomb detonated prematurely, causing the death of only the bomber.
"On the whole, 20 persons were killed while 52 sustained various degrees of injuries and are receiving treatment," Major General Buba stated. He lamented the loss of lives, describing it as a tragedy for the society, community, and nation.
On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, and the armed forces, Buba expressed condolences to those who lost loved ones and sympathized with all victims needing healing and recovery.
He explained that the terrorist attacks are a reaction to the military's recent operations, which have significantly weakened the terrorists by decapitating their leadership, depleting their resources, and reducing their support base and influence.
"The terrorists embarked on these cowardly attacks against innocent citizens to project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline," Buba said.
He urged citizens to see through the terrorists' attempts to create panic and assured them of the military's commitment to eradicating the terrorist threat.
"The fate of the terrorists that perpetrated this insecurity will be violent and short as troops will stop at nothing to take them out of the battlefield," Major General Buba vowed.
He called on citizens to stand united, remain vigilant, and continue supporting the armed forces to ensure a secure and peaceful future.
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