Death toll in Yobe school blast rises to 58

The death toll in Monday’s suicide bomb blast at Government Secondary School, Potiskum, Yobe state, has risen to 58, a school official said on Wednesday.

“From records at our disposal, the death toll now stands at 58 while the number of those injured has soared to 117,” the unnamed official told AFP.

Disguising as a student, a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber had attacked the school while students gathered at the assembly ground.

Police earlier put the death and injury tolls at 47 and 79 respectively.

The Boko Haram insurgency has continued to ravage northeast Nigeria despite efforts by the government to negotiate a truce with the insurgents.

On Wednesday, David Mark, president of the senate, condemned the incessant attacks, calling on the insurgents to embrace negotiation.

“We appeal to Boko Haram to come to the negotiation table,” he said.

“In the meantime, the armed forces must bring its full weight to bear on the terrorists. The killing of students in Potiskum is just the height of it.”