UPDATED: Suicide bomb blast in Yobe ‘kills 23’

A suicide bomber on Monday morning detonated a bomb amidst a crowd of Shi’a Islamic movement followers, “killing many people instantly”. According to Reuters, the dead were 23.

According to a senior security source who spoke with TheCable, the incident occurred in Potiskum, Yobe state.

The source said hundreds of Shi’a followers were meeting at Faydia Islamic School, Potiskum, when the bomb went off.

“Hundreds – possible thousands –Thousands of Shi’a members met at the school from where they were to embark on a procession round Potiskum to mark the annual Ashura Day,” he said.

“But someone believed to be a member of Boko Haram dressed like them and entered the school as well. Those at the scene said there was a sudden bang and many people died instantly.”

TheCable had not established the exact casualty toll at the time of reporting, but the source said he feared the worst.

“I cannot tell you now how many people died,” he said.

“But when hundreds of people are gathered somewhere and a suicide bomber blows up the place, the result will be a very big tragedy.”

Markus Danladi, the Yobe state commissioner of police, confirmed the blast when he spoke to newsmen shortly after the incident.

“I am just receiving a sketchy report of the incident. We are yet to receive the details because it is just happening now,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“I am on my way to Potiskum to see things for myself.”