The Defence Headquarters has described the terrorist bomb attacks in Gwoza, Borno State, as cowardly acts intended to project an image of strength despite their weakness and decline.
According to a statement by the Director,Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba issued on Tuesday ,four female suicide bombers were used to carry out the separate attacks in Gwoza.
General Buba said the first attack was recorded at about 1500hrs, when a female suicide bomber disguised as a beggar invaded a wedding reception at Mararaba Hausari Street and detonated Improvised Explosive Device.
Also at about 1700hrs, while efforts were on to stabilize and move casualties to hospital for further treatment,there was a second detonation from another female suicide bomber on the same street and in close proximity to the first explosion.
Part of the statement reads: Troops immediately imposed a curfew on the community in order to get members of the community indoors and prevents further casualties. However, while troops and hybrid forces were enforcing the curfew a third explosion was recorded.
“The third explosion targeted the troops enforcing the curfew. The troops were attacked from behind by a third lady strapped with IED vest. The explosion
killed a soldier and two members of hybrid forces.
The fourth incident was averted when the suspect was identified early enough and
she detonated the bomb prematurely whereby she became the only casualty. On the whole, 20 persons were killed while 52 sustained various degrees of injuries and receiving treatment. “
” The armed forces view every life lost as a result of the ongoing war, whether civilian or military, as an immense tragedy. The sad loss of life is a tragedy for the society, community and the nation.”
” Accordingly, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, officers and members of the armed forces, we express our condolences even as we mourn with all who have lost loved ones. We also commiserate with all victims needing healing and recovery.
“Given that we are in a state of war, it must be recognized that this despicable act is a
response to recent successes in ongoing military operations. Indeed, our recent operations have decapitated the leadership of the terrorists, depleted their resources,
reduced their support base and reduced their influence.”
“Clearly, the terrorist embarked on these cowardly attacks against innocent citizens to
project an image of strength to cover their weakness and decline. Citizen must see through the smoke screen of the terrorist. We must realize that, the terrorist aims to counter the reports of their weakness and create panic in the general population.
