TheCable

Fourteen people were killed and 39 injured during suicide attacks in Maiduguri, capital of Borno state, on Thursday.

Sani Usman, army spokesman, confirmed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Usman said security operatives and emergency management team were mobilised to take care of the wounded.

“Although details of the attack are still sketchy, suffice it to state that four Boko Haram terrorists detonated their vests simultaneously,” the statement read.

“Three of the terrorists detonated their bombs in the same area while the fourth detonated in front of a mosque.

“It has been confirmed that 14 people have lost their lives, including the suicide bombers while 39 others were wounded.”

A resident of the town who does not want to be named, had told TheCable that female suicide bombers carried out the attacks.

He said the attackers, who rode in a tricycle, targeted a mosque and some houses in the Ajilari area of the ancient city.

“As I speak to you now, security personnel have taken over all the surroundings,” he said.

“Many people were killed, particularly during the one of the mosque. This is terrible. Life in Maiduguri is getting scary by the day. No one is safe.”

A security source also confirmed the attack but could not give details.

“It is true that there were multiple attacks in Maiduguri today but information would be clearer by tomorrow,” he said.

“I’m sure the terrorists took advantage of darkness because security was very tight during the day.”

Borno is the state worst-hit by the insurgency in the north-east.

Fifty-four people were killed and 90 sustained injuries during multiple attacks in Maiduguri 10 days ago.