Twin bomb explosions which occurred in Damaturu, Yobe State, on Wednesday killed 18 people, two more than initially reported, Governor Ibrahim Gaidam said.
The attacks by two suspected female suicide bombers took place around Ministry of Housing quarters and Buhari Housing Estate in Damaturu occurred around 6am.
“One of the suicide bombers gained entry into the mosque and detonated explosives and the other bomber was sighted roaming around the compound and (when) asked questions, she too detonated explosives,” a resident Ibrahim Musa told AP.
The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, Musa Idi, had earlier confirmed the blasts.
Gov. Gaidam condemned the suicide attacks which also injured eight others as “barbaric and cowardly”.
He made the condemnation in a statement issued in Damaturu by Abdullahi Bego, his Special Assistant on Media.
The statement expressed confidence that “despite the barbaric and unjustified suicide attacks by Boko Haram, insurgency will soon come to an end”.
The statement said the government would not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety of the people; and that the Federal Government was taking necessary measures to put an end to the insurgency.
It commended security agencies for their efforts in the general security improvement in the state and urged them to step up surveillance to prevent insurgents and criminals from further attacks.
It condoled with the families of the deceased and ordered immediate and free medical treatment for those who sustained injuries in the attacks.
“Already three out of the injured victims have been referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano, for further medical care at government expense,” the statement said.
It urged Yobe residents not to relent in their exemplary support and cooperation with security agents and continue to pray for the full restoration of peace and security in the area.
