Multiple Boko Haram attacks kill 18 in Maiduguri

No fewer than 18 persons were killed and 24 people injured in the multiple attacks and explosions at Jiddari Polo and Chad Basin Development Authority (CBDA) quarters of Maiduguri.

The Borno State Police Commissioner, Damian Chukwu, told journalists at a press briefing yesterday, at the state police headquarters, Maiduguri, that three Boko Haram suicide bombers were shot dead as security personnel battled to repel an invasion late Wednesday night.

He said one of the attackers, also armed with explosives wrapped around his body, was arrested alive.

He said that at about 6:05 pm on Wednesday, suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ also attacked Alidawari village in Jidda Polo area.

The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the university, Mr Bashir Tahir, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that 30 people were brought to the hospital.

He said that one of the patient who had internal injury died.

Chukwu said: “They set fire on many houses and make shift tents in the neighbourhood, but the police comprising FSARS, Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU) and others, engaged the terrorists along with troops of 7 Division of Nigerian Army to repel them in a gun duel that lasted for over an hour.”

He said that residents that fled their houses and shops during the gun battle, returned two hours after the attackers were repelled.

The Police commissioner said the troops recovered unexploded Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), four AK 47 rifle, some bombs and hand grenades on the dead bombers.

On Goni Kachallari bombing, he said: “Three male suicide bombers detonated IEDs on their bodies. The first explosion occurred in a mosque at Goni Kachallari village of Jere council, while Muslims were coming out from the mosque.

“The suicide bombers and six others died, while 18 persons were also injured. The second bomber detonated his explosive within the premises of CBDA at about 9:20 pm Wednesday.”