Zaria death toll hits 25, including 2-year-old

A blast has been reported in Sabon Gari, Zaria, Kaduna state, killing 25 including a two-year-old.

TheCable understands that 32 persons were injured and are currently being treated at ABU teaching hospital, Zaria.

The blast took place at the local government headquarters where primary school teachers and other public officials from Lere and Ikara LGs were undergoing biometric verification.

Nasir el-Rufai, governor of Kaduna state, has described the incident, the first under his watch, as “sad”.

He said: “I am sad that a terrorist bomb attack just killed 20 people in Sabon Gari Zaria. May the souls of our innocent departed rest in peace, Amen. We call on our citizens to be vigilant and avoid crowded places like markets, mosques, churches and motor parks in the next few weeks.

“We call on our people to report any suspicious persons and movements to law enforcement agents, traditional rulers and religious leaders. The Kaduna State government is working with Federal security agencies that are taking proactive measures to frustrate such terrorists.”

A blast had killed a female teenage suicide bomber in Kano on Monday night, while 48 persons have been confirmed dead in the Jos blasts of Sunday – in addition to six deaths in Potiskum, Yobe state, same day.

Boko Haram insurgents will be immediate suspects.