A suicide bomber has killed nine persons in Garkida weekly cattle market in Gombi Local Government Area of Adamawa State, while Boko Haram terrorists have attacked the Madagali area in the state in a renewed offensive by the insurgents in the liberated areas.
The bomb attack has generated ripples across the state, as many feared that more of such attacks may be underway, as fleeing Boko Haram members have allegedly recruited a large number of suicide bombers which may be unleashed on the state.
Reports coming from the area indicated different versions of the incident, as some said a suicide bomber pretending to be a potential customer at the market detonated the bomb, while other versions has it that the bomb was actually planted at the gate of the market.
Eyewitness report said the incident took place at about 1.15 p.m. on Tuesday, when the market was at the peak of activities, leading to high casualties.
Another eyewitness, Musa Mama, said many of the victims, including the dead and the injured, had been evacuated to hospitals, as activities in the market came to a standstill.
Confirming the incident, factional Speaker of Adamawa State House of Assembly, Jerry Kumdisi, who hails from the area, noted that many persons had lost their lives in the attack.
Gombi was one of the seven local governments overran by Boko Haram insurgents in Adamawa State, leading to the loss of lives and properties last year.
Similarly, it was in the town that a German working with the state government’s vocational school was abducted before he was finally rescued early this year.
Efforts to get the Army Public Relations Officer of the 23rd Army Brigade, Captain Nuhu Jafaru, proved abortive, as of the time of filing this report, although some military sources have confirmed the attack. – Nigerian Tribune.