Seven killed as multiple blasts rock IDP camps in Maiduguri

The Borno Police Command, on Wednesday confirmed the death of seven persons in multiple suicide attacks on three “unauthorized” internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the Muna area of Maiduguri, Borno state capital.

Damian Chukwu, commissioner of police, told NAN that the suicide bombers targeted  the city.

He said the first attack was at a camp sheltering displaced persons mainly from Gulumba community in Bama local government area of the state.

“All together seven persons were killed made up of three suspected suicide bombers and four innocent Nigerians,” he said.

“The attack happened around 4:30 am on Wednesday around Muna area of the metropolis.

“The first attack took place at a place called Gulumba where IDPs mainly from Gulumba community are staying.

“The suicide bomber sneaked in and detonated his explosive killing himself, a woman and a kid, nine others were also injured.

“The second attack occurred in a place called Muna Dagalti in the same environment where unauthorized IDPs are staying.

“The suicide bomber detonated his explosive inside the tent killing himself and one other person, six others were injured.

“The third attack was at a place called Muna Baya where the suspected suicide bomber met some Muslim faithful performing ablution for early morning prayer.

“He ran to them and detonated his explosive killing himself and one other person, four others were also injured.”

An official of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), however, said five suspected suicide bombers were involved in the attacks.

Tijjani Lumani, coordinator of the Muna camp, said the explosions led to the burning of tents used by the displaced persons.

“There were four explosions inside the camp. The bombers struck at different locations around 4:30 am. The explosions triggered fires which burned down many tents,” he said.