Three days after reopening, Boko Haram bombs mosque again, kills 24

Buhari condemns terror attack, says final end of group in sight

Two female suicide bombers killed at least 24 worshippers and wounded 18 in an attack during dawn prayers Wednesday on a mosque on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. It was the second attack in five months on the mosque, situated at MolaiUmmarari, which is about six kilometres from Maiduguri. Twin suicide bombers attacked in October, killing six people The mosque was closed after the October attack and had only reopened three days ago, residents said One bomber blew up inside the mosque and the second waited outside to detonate as survivors tried to escape, said coordinator Abba Aji of the civilian self-defense Vigilante Group. Those injured totaled 18. “Do you know that among those in the mosque, only the chief imam survived” on Wednesday, said resident Adam Modu.

The second bomber had her back to a child when she exploded, blowing the kid into pieces, he said. A resident, Umar Usman, said he escaped because he was late to worship. “We were just a few meters away from the mosque when a loud bang erupted and all we could see was dark smoke and bodies littered around,” he told AP. Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, the Army spokesman, commented on the incident on Wednesday, saying “This is to confirm that there were twin person-borne improvised explosive attack carried out by two female carriers in Ummarari village near Molai, outskirts of Maiduguri metropolis, Borno State, this morning. “The first attack targeted a mosque, while the second blast about 50 metres away, a few minutes later. Sadly, 22 people were killed and 18 others sustained various degrees of injuries. Troops, security agents and care givers have been mobilized to scene, while the wounded have been evacuated to Molai General Hospital for treatment.

The troops, security agents and the Civilian JTF have secured the area and are combing the environment for possible clues. “While we commiserate with the families of the victims of this dastardly act, we wish to reassure the public that we would continue to rout the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists wherever they may be hiding. We will not rest on our oars until all those that masterminded this latest heinous and other similar crimes are apprehended and brought to justice. “Meanwhile, we implore the members of the public to be more security conscious, cooperate with the troops and security agencies. They should also please report any suspicious persons, objects or happenings to troops or security agencies at all times.

Thank you for your kind and usual cooperation.” Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that the final end of Boko Haram insurgency is in sight. This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Wednesday by Mr Femi Adesina, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the president. The statement said President Buhari stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while commiserating with families of the victims of the terrorist attack at Umarari village, near Maiduguri, Borno. According to the president, with the current renewed determination of the Nigerian security agencies, coupled with the regional and international attention constantly focused on the eradication of terrorism, the activities of Boko Haram would soon become history. He said the condemnable and reprehensible attack on a place of worship by the perpetrators, who pretended to be worshippers, had once again exposed them as mere criminals who had no place among civilised people.

Buhari expressed his deepest sympathy and condolence to the families of the victims and to the Government and people of Borno over the incident. The President, who wished speedy recovery to those injured, commended the security agencies and care givers for their prompt deployment to the area. According to him, those who perpetrate, finance, organise and sponsor these reprehensible acts of terrorism will not escape punishment. He implored Nigerians to continue to remain vigilant to the antics of these lawless individuals and cooperate with the relevant government agencies in their unshaken resolve to defeat the enemy. The President prayed that Almighty Allah would receive the souls of the departed.