The death toll from the recent suicide bombings in Gwoza, Borno State, has climbed to 18, according to officials.
Multiple explosions allegedly set off by female suicide bombers believed to be associated with the Boko Haram terrorist group.
While the police initially reported six fatalities, the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has now confirmed 18 deaths.
Barkindo Saidu, the Director-General of Borno SEMA, detailed in a report obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria that the deceased included adult males, females, and children.
The first explosion occurred during a wedding ceremony, and the second blast took place at a funeral service for the victims of the initial attack, where another female suicide bomber detonated her device.
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Saidu explained, “Nineteen people with serious injuries were transported to Maiduguri in four ambulances, while 23 others are awaiting military escort at the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic. I am coordinating for a helicopter tonight and have mobilized emergency drugs to address the shortage in Gwoza. Injuries range from abdominal ruptures to skull and limb fractures. Additionally, there is a report of a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka,” a village near Gwoza town.
The coordinated attacks, which caught many by surprise, hark back to the height of the insurgency from 2014 to 2024.
Reports earlier stated four separate suicide bombings on Saturday in the Gwoza area, targeting locations associated with the Boko Haram faction led by Ali Ngulde.
This faction has been weakened by the breakaway group Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP) after the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau.
Under Shekau, the group frequently employed female members and captives for suicide attacks.
