About 30 persons were killed when suspected Boko Haram insurgents struck at the central market in Gombe, capital of Gombe state, around 5pm on Thursday.
A resident of the town told TheCable that the incident happened when people were shopping ahead of the Sallah celebration.
“They planted bombs in a vehicle and another one in a very busy section of the market,” he said.
“The market is one of the biggest in the state and the casualty is certainly going to be high because people were preparing for tomorrow’s Sallah.”
Advertisement
A Red Cross official involved in the rescue operation said about 30 people were killed in the two blasts.
“I have 30 bodies in bags and I am sure there are more out there,” said the official.
Kudu Nma Abdullahi, the state commissioner of police, confirmed the incident but could not provide enough information.
Advertisement
“We got information of a twin blast. Either it was a suicide mission or an IED (improvised explosive device) kept somewhere at the main market where they sell slippers and wears,” he said.
“I think people were busy doing their shopping, preparatory to tomorrow’s sallah festival.”
This is the first attack in the state since President MuhammaduBuhari came into power.
Advertisement
6 comments
when will we be free from insurgency problems in Nigeria? GOD hear our cry and have mercy
what is nigeria turning into?jonathan is out. now that buhari there, there is nothing yet to show for.i wil advice him to stop all these daily promises and travellings all over the world and tackle our internal problems squarly.why should nigeria govt depend sorely on britain and america for assistance.these have there security problems too.what is the essence of nigeria independence when it,s territorial intergrity can not be guaranteed protection..i like iraq becos they believe they can win isis without foreign help.that is what makes a nation.buhari!! buhari!!! buhari!!!!, pls re-adjust urself now.
It seems we have entered one chance conducted by mallam sheikh shakau. We reject dis ppl in GEJ name, amin. Allah ya tsine uwar mai yaudaran yan nijeriya
Mr Buhari pls wake up from ur sleep and forget promises and vow. was dis d agreement you made with Nigerian during ur campaign? we are disappointed in u already.
Mai Allah Protect Us Emen
Oh God have mercy on us we knee before you bring end of this boko haram.