Bomb in Maiduguri: 8 feared killed, more casualties from previous blast

On 24 July, a bomb exploded in a bustling neighborhood, in Maiduguri, capital of Borno State.

Local sources report that up to eight people may have been killed, but there had been no official statement from the military Joint Task Force (JTF) in the state.

As with previous bomb incidents, both security officials and local residents believe the attack must have been carried out by the militant Islamist group, widely known as Boko Haram.

Meanwhile, more details have emerged on the blast at the Budum Roundabout in the same Maiduguri the previous day (Saturday 23 July).  A witness claimed the bomb was planted by a woman with a plastic bag. Others add that the explosion set off a fire which burned over 40 shops and stalls in the Budum Central Market, as it raged for over two hours.

On casualties, while JTF had reported, immediately after the incident, that three of its men were wounded, later reports claim that up to 13 bodies had been located from various parts of the market where the explosion occurred. The reports say some of the victims may have been killed by stray bullets during the crossfire between JTF and the Boko Haram fighters, but that most others appear to have died in the market fire.