Professor, four others killed in University of Maiduguri suicide attack
At least two people were killed in a suspected suicide bomb attack on a university campus in northeast Nigeria, a local resident, a lecturer and emergency services told AFP on Monday.
But Borno Police Command confirmed that a professor and four other persons were killed when a male suicide bomber detonated his explosive at the senior staff quarters of the University of Maiduguri.
The blast happened at 5:25 am (0425 GMT) at a mosque in the staff quarters area of the University of Maiduguri and is thought to have been carried out by a teenage girl.
Suspicion will likely fall on the Islamist group Boko Haram, which has repeatedly used young women and girls as human bombs to target worshippers.
There were reports locally of a separate explosion but details were not immediately available.
“At exactly 5:25 am, while I was leaving the mosque in my neighbourhood, I heard two explosions,” said one local resident, who asked not to be identified.
“I rushed to the university, which is not far from my house. On entering, I saw the mosque in a mess. Three people lay dead, including a young girl, whose body was badly mutilated.
“Thirteen other worshippers were injured.”
A university lecturer who lives on site confirmed the resident’s account.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) tweeted: “A #bomb exploded at the #mosque at the University of #Maiduguri during early morning prayers. Rescue operations ongoing…”
Access to the university campus has been strictly controlled, with checkpoints and searches at the gates.
But the site, on one of the main thoroughfares leading in to and out of the city, is vast and most areas are badly lit.
At least 20,000 people have been killed in the conflict since it began in 2009 and more than 2.6 million others made homeless.
Nigeria maintains the insurgency is in its final stages.
Last month said it had flushed out Boko Haram fighters from their stronghold in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno state, of which Maiduguri is the capital.
Yet there has been no let-up in attacks both on troops and civilians. On January 8, at least five soldiers were killed when rebels targeted a base in Buni Yadi, in neighbouring Yobe state.
The following day, suicide bombers killed three in Maiduguri.
Related
Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox every day of the week. Stay informed with the Guardian’s leading coverage of Nigerian and world news, business, technology and sports.
6 Comments
The army officer who authorized the release of 257 suspected Boko Haram detainee a day ago must be arrested. Something is going on about this Boko Haram saga that Nigerians do not know. The Boko Haram saga is becoming weird. Release today bomb tomorrow !!!!!!
A matter of opinion.
This is more than opinion. Those 257 should not have been released. They should have gathered them together and bury them alive. The world will be a better place without Islam. From latest statistics, more than 70% of the world violence today is caused by this religion. Maybe all Arabs nations could just disappear off the surface of earth so that you fools can face reality that Islam is fu*cked up.
Impliedly all people in Borno should be buried alive! The army released them after scrutiny of the 250 & finding them innocent. Still u want them buried alive! Good luck 2 U.
BUY YOUR BAGS OF RICE IN A LOWER PRICE OF #6,500 AND
GROUNDNUT OIL FOR #5,000 CALL THE MARKETING
DEPARTMENT CUSTOM OFFICER 08036037347 FOR MORE
INFORMATION AND PURCHASE. Royal umbrella=6,500 Mama
Gold=6,500 Royal stallion=6,500 Otunba=6,500 Rising
sun=6,500 Special rice=6,500 Mama Africa=6,500 Royal
crown=6,500 Ade Brazil=6,500 Elephant Gold=6,500 Super
eagle=6,500 PJS=6,500 Tomato rice=6,500 Caprice =6,500
GINO OIL= #5,000 TURKEY OIL= #5,000 WE DELIVER TO ANY
STATE IN NIGERIA 1BAG OR 1 OIL IS #1000, NAIRA FOR
DELIVERY THANK.U.. PLEASE CALL MRS FUNMILAYO ADENIYI
08068529331 for purchase. ORDER; MINIMUM OF 20 BAGS
AND ABOVE. We make DELIVERY to ALL the 36 STATES IN
NIGERIA…NOTE: COST OF
TRANSPORTATION MUST BE PAID BEFORE DELIVERY….
THANKS FOR PATRONIZING US,.,…
Its impossible to kill an idea particularly when there is no better idea to their believe. These people have been indoctrinated, so even without any leadership or support individuals who strongly believe in the ideology will still continue the war.
What is needed is massive education, job, social amenities and a reverse indoctrination.
Unfortunately we don’t have a responsible government and resources.
We will review and take appropriate action.