The death toll from the multiple suicide attacks in Gwoza, Borno state has hit 18, according to state officials.
The Director-General of Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr Barkindo Saidu, said most of the victims were adult males, females and children.
He said the first blast by a suicide bomber took place at a wedding ceremony, while the second was at the funeral service of victims when another female suicide bomber rushed into the congregation.
The director general said: “Surprisingly 19 people are seriously injured were conveyed to Maiduguri in four ambulances, while 23 others are waiting for military escort in the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.
“I am now coordinating for a chopper tonight. I have mobilised emergency drugs to complement the shortage of drugs in Gwoza.
“The degree of injuries ranges from abdominal raptures, skull and limb fractures.
“I have also received a report that there is a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka,” Saidu said.
Pulka is a village not too far from Gwoza town.
The coordinated attacks, which took many by surprise, was shocking to the people of Borno who experienced such at the height of the insurgency between 2024 and 2014.
