Borno State Police Commissioner, Mr. Aderemi Opadokun says only 12 people were killed in the suicide bomb attacks on Baga fish market in Maiduguri, yesterday, as against the ‘more than 20’ which was widely reported.
Two female suicide bombers had entered the market yesterday afternoon disguised as beggars. The first explosion, according to various reports, led to 20-35 deaths and injured more than 50.
Baga market is not far from the 7 Division, Nigerian Army and now the Military Command and Control Centre.
Mallam Usman Ibrahim, one of the fish sellers at the market told a Vanguard Correspondent that many dead and scattered bodies of victims as well as the injured were immediately rushed to various hospitals as traders and customers scampered for safety as shops remained closed.
Opadokun had confirmed the incident in a text message to Commissioner, Mr. Opadokun in a text message to a correspondent of Vanguard.
“Yes, today, Monday 22/06/2015 at about 1500 hours, there was a twin IED explosion in Maiduguri.
“One at the centre of Baga road fish market, while the other at BIYOK still along Baga road, about 1 kilometre to the affected market. IEDs were conveyed by two female suicide bombers.
” 12 people died including the bombers and many were seriously injured. Scene visited and victims were conveyed to the hospital.
“Investigation in progress please,” he stated.
