More than 20 people were killed at Kasuwar Jagwal GSM market in Potiskum, Yobe State, yesterday, when two female suicide bombers blew themselves up in the crowded market.
Earlier reports have put the number of people killed at four, another pu it at six. It has however been revealed by eyewitnesses that the death toll could surpass 20.
According to a resident of Potiskum, Mallam Aliyu Usman, who spoke to Vanguard on phone, yesterday, the death toll could rise as most of those who sustained injuries had lost much blood before security operatives could reach the scene.
“We evacuated six bodies including those of the two female suicide bombers to the hospital, 21 people were injured in the attacks,” security source involved in the rescue operation told AFP.
“One of the bombers looked 23 and the other 15. The first bomber — the 23 year-old — detonated her explosives just outside the entrance of the market, where volunteers were screening people going inside the market with metal detectors.
“The second bomber was terrified by the explosion and she tried to dash across the road but she also exploded.”
Earlier on Saturday, two people were killed when a car exploded outside a police station in Potiskum.
Although there had been no claims of responsibility for the attack, it is believed to have been unleashed by terror group Boko Haram, whose campaign of violence in the northeast has led to the death of thousands since 2009.