…As Senator appeals to FG to do more to thwart terror attacks
By Editor
The Director-General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Dr. Barkindo Saibu, has given a detailed account of how teenage female suicide bombers carried out four coordinated attacks that killed 18 children, men and pregnant women among others in Gwoza.
Gwoza, the birthplace of the Chief Whip of the Senate, Mohammed Ali Ndume was hit by a series of blasts by femal suicide bombers on Saturday.
Saibu who gave account of what transpired to the Senate Whip, explained that teenage girls detonated some of the bombs that led to several deaths and left many others with various degrees of injuries.
He said: “In the first blast, a female suicide bomber detonated it at a marriage ceremony, injuring over 30 and causing instant deaths
“In the second blast, it was almost like the first. It occurred near the General Hospital.
“The third blast happened at a funeral service (Janaiza). Another female suicide bomber detonated it, causing more casualties.
“In the fourth blast, a female teenager detonated a bomb at the hospital, injuring more people.
“In all, there were 18 deaths (children, adult males, females, and pregnant women), 19 seriously injured and transported to Maiduguri in four ambulances, 23 are waiting for military escort in Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.
“Regarding the injuries, there were abdominal raptures, skull fractures, limb fractures, among others. There were coordinated rescue mission. We mobilised emergency drugs to complement shortages in Gwoza. We arranged for a chopper transport.”
Expressing sadness over the unfortunate incident, Senator Ndume appealed to the Military to double its efforts to prevent a reoccurrence.
He expressed gratitude to the military high command and the officers and men in the theater of operation for the efforts they have so far put which has led to a substantial reduction of incidents of terror attacks in the state.
Ndume, however expressed worry that with last weekend’s attacks, there is an urgent need to raise the bar and provide more surveillance and security in the State to guide against future occurrences.
He said, “The last attack at the weekend was a big shock. We need to double our efforts. Our military is trying and we must commend them. But we they need to raise their game and take out these people. The recent attack in my community, Gwoza is unacceptable.
“I’m visiting to ascertain the level of the attack and see how we can bring help to those affected. We call on the Federal Government to do something and bring this carnage to an end. This is my appeal.
