UPDATED: Bauchi explosion death toll ‘hits 15’

As many as 15 persons were killed on Friday at First Bank, Azare, Bauchi state, in a bomb explosion.

Several others were injured and have been taken to various hospitals.

According to a witness, most of the victims were civil servants who were making use of the ATMs at the bank.

“The government has just paid salaries, so they went to withdraw some money apparently for the weekend,” the witness, who gave his name as Abdu, said.

“There are three ATMs at the bank, so the place was jam-packed. The explosive device seemed to have been planted on a bike parked nearby.”

Tahman Umaru, another resident of Azare, told TheCable that the incident occurred around 10am.

He said two of his friends Al-Hassan Sheu, a teacher and Sheu Musa, sustained injuries from the attack.

He also said customers inside the banking hall were not affected, as the bombers did not gain access into the bank.

“Actually the incident happened around 10am,” he said.

“Only some of those in the queue to withdraw money from the ATM got caught. Men of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) and rescue officials have gone to the scene.

“Some are now afraid, even to go to the mosque for prayers.”

Umaru confirmed that the bank suspended its operations while the scene had been cordoned off by security personnel.

Initial suspects will be Boko Haram militants, who have been carrying out a bombing campaign since 2009.

On Monday, a suicide bomber struck in Pokitsum, Yobe state, killing 23 and injuring many more.