TheCable

A girl believed to be working for the Boko Haram sect has detonated a bomb at the Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) Market in Potiskum, Yobe state, killing at least five people as at first count.

According to a security source who confirmed the blast to TheCable, the suicide bomber “was a girl whose age should be around eight or nine”.

It is the second time in six weeks that the Potiskum GSM Market has been bombed.

“She got to the gate of the market and her movement was somehow suspicious, so there was an attempt to search her,” said the source, who did not want to be named.

“Entering the market was obviously her target, but she detonated the bomb at the gate when it was clear her game was up. Five people died instantly while those who sustained injuries have been rushed to the Potiskum General Hospital.”

Toyin Gbadegesin, an assistant superintendent of police and public relations officer of the Yobe state police command, confirmed the attack, but said he could not confirm casualty toll.

On January 11, many people were killed when two female suicide bombers hit the same market, which is located close to Brema Primary school along the Mohammed Idrissa Way in the heart of Potiskum.

Both bombers arrived via a tricycle, and one detonated her bomb at the gate of the market while the other detonate hers inside.