Eight suicide bombers killed at Bornu checkpoint

Eight suspected Boko Haram members blew themselves up at a checkpoint in Maiduguri, Borno State, yesterday.The incident happened at about 9.15 a.m., in Gubio town.

Wary troops had stopped a bus believed to have been carrying militants. They insisted on a search, which the suspects refused, and immediately detonated an explosives vest.

“The suicide bombers, who came in a pick-up truck primed with improvised explosive devices including suicide vests, attempted to force their way through the checkpoint, but met stiff resistance from troops who insisted the vehicle had to be thoroughly checked. The suicide bombers refused and blew themselves up, detonating one of the vests, killing all the eight occupants on board,” said a statement by army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman.

The chairman of Gubio Council, Zanna Modu Gubio and Acting Commander of 5 Brigade, Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Dangana, also confirmed the incident.

The chairman in a telephone interview said: “Eight suicide bombers had attempted to wreak havoc on Gubio town this afternoon. But with prompt action by troops and men of the Civilian Joint Task Force, the attack was repelled. All the occupants, including suicide bombers in the explosives laden vehicle, were neutralised before they reached their targets.”

He added: “I am happy to inform you that there was no casualty on the side of the military or civilians. Normalcy has been restored and the town is calm, as people go about their businesses.”