A soldier and two members of hybrid forces were among the 20 persons that died following the coordinated suicide bomb attacks that occurred in Gwoza, Borno State, over the weekend, while 52 others sustained varying degrees of injuries, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said yesterday.
In its first official reaction, the Military noted that attacks were triggered by multiple Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED). The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, who made the disclosure in a statement yesterday, added that a soldier, as well as two members of hybrid forces were also victims.
The statement reads: “Over the weekend, troops of Joint Task Force OP HADIN KAI in the NE theatre recorded a series of reprehensible terror attacks in Gworza LGA of Borno State. The coordinated attacks comprised of multiple Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED), otherwise known as suicide bombings.
“All the attacks took place on Saturday, June 29, 2024. The first was recorded at about 1500hrs, when a female suicide bomber disguised as a beggar invaded a wedding reception at Mararaba Hausari Street and detonated Improvised Explosive Device.
“Thereafter, at about 1700 hrs, while efforts was on to stabilise and move casualties of the initial explosion to hospital for further treatment, there was a second detonation from another female suicide bomber. “The second explosion was on the same street and in close proximity to the first explosion.
Troops immediately imposed a curfew on the community in order to get members of the community indoors and prevent further casualties. “However, while troops and hybrid forces were enforcing the curfew a third explosion was recorded. The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew.
The troops were attacked from behind by a third lady strapped with IED vest. The explosion killed a soldier and two members of hybrid forces. “The fourth incident was averted when the suspect was identified early enough and she detonated the bomb prematurely whereby she became the only casualty.
“On the whole, 20 persons were killed, while 52 sustained various degrees of injuries and receiving treatment. The armed forces views every life lost as a result of the ongoing war, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy.” He added: “The sad loss of lives are a tragedy for the society, community and the nation.
Accordingly, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG Musa, officers and members of the armed forces, we express our condolences even as we mourn with all who have lost loved ones. We also commiserate with all victims needing healing and recovery.