10-year-old girl kills 15 in Yobe market

• Troops kill 20 terrorists

A 10-year-old girl yesterday detonated an explosive device at a crowded market in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, killing herself and 14 others. Forty-seven others sustained injuries in the suicide bomb attack. The attack took place at 9:05a.m. Those that sustained injuries were treated at the Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu.

Two women who were said to be accomplices have been arrested by the police. The Police Public Relations Officer in Yobe, Mr. Toyin Gbadegeshin, confirmed the attack and casualty figure. Gbadegeshin, who made the confirmation to newsmen in Damaturu, said: “A female suicide bomber, aged about 10 years, detonated the explosive device at a crowded main entrance of the popular Sunday Market, killing 15 people, including 10 females and five males, while injuring 47 others.” He said five other units of undetonated explosives were recovered at the scene of the explosion.

The police spokesman said that suicide bombers used mortars similar to those recovered from suspected bombers on the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway on Monday. Three policemen and five suicide bombers were killed in the Monday incident. Gbadegeshin urged the public to be cautious and remain observant of suspected persons, bags and movements around their environments. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army yesterday admitted that Boko Haram was still occupying some towns in Gamboru Ngala, Kala Balge, Guzamala and Dikwa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

The admittance, which was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, however, contradicted the position of former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Kenneth Minimah (rtd). Minimah, while handing over to his successor, Major General Tukur Buratai on July 16, had said: “During my tenure, we were able to reclaim all territories earlier lost to the terrorists, sufficiently degrade their potency and reduced them to a band of criminals and petty thieves. We were also able to stabilise the situation in the North-Central,” he noted.

What is not clear, however, is whether the towns still under the captivity of Boko Haram, were overran after the exit of Minimah. Nonetheless, the statement from the Army, is coming few days after Governors of Borno and Yobe states, revealed during the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, that the sect was still occupying five local council areas in their states. The Army explained that Gujba Local Government Headquarters in Yobe State, had long been deserted.

The statement further noted that troops of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Saturday, killed over 20 suspected Boko Haram fighters, after liberating Dikwa Local Government Area Usman said: “The Army wishes to acknowledge that Boko Haram terrorists have been occupying some portions of Gamboru Ngala, Kala Balge, Guzamala and Dikwa Local Government Areas of Borno State.

“In Yobe State, Gujba LGA headquarters had long been deserted. However, due to recent concerted efforts, roads and towns hitherto being held by Boko Haram terrorists and laced with mines such as Biu-Buni Yadi- Damaturu and Biu-Sabon Gari-Damboa roads were liberated and cleared of mines and made safe for public usage.

“Efforts are on to liberate other towns and roads. Additionally, with the support of Nigerian Air Force, I am glad to inform you that our gallant troops yesterday (Saturday) liberated Dikwa LGA. “During the battle, troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army destroyed one of the terrorists’ camp at Faljari village along Dikwa-Maiduguri road, Borno State.

During the encounter, over 20 terrorists were killed and several wounded. “The troops recovered the following items: five vehicles heavily laden with Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) about to be unleashed into the society, four motorcycles, one Toyota Hilux mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns, one Anti-Aircraft Gun and one General Purpose Machine Gun. “Others include three extra barrels of Anti-Aircraft Gun, a box of Anti- Aircraft Gun Ammunition, three SIM cards and a damaged AK-47 Rifle. The brave soldiers also destroyed five motorcycles adorned with terrorist flags and a Toyota Hilux mounted with Anti-Aircraft Gun.”