Two suicide bombers have detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a wedding venue in Gwoza town, Borno State, killing a soldier, and seven others including wedding guests. Sixteen people were also injured.
According to a survivor, the first bomber was carrying a baby on her back when she stormed the venue and detonated the IED.
The wedding was held on Saturday at Tashan Mararaba near the Fire Service in Gwoza town.
A military source in Gwoza said the female suicide bomber crossed the road opposite the military base and immediately detonated the IED, killing a soldier in the process.
The terrorists reinforced and returned to the 192 Brigade but the Nigerian Army troops successfully repelled the attack. The bomber identified as a young mother in her twenties pretended to be a guest at the wedding.
While trying to bury the dead persons, another bomber disguised as a mourner detonated an IED at the burial ground, killing one person.
According to eyewitnesses, the first bomber, a young mother carrying a baby on her back, detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at the wedding venue, killing a soldier and several wedding guests. The second bomber struck at the burial ground, where mourners had gathered to bury the victims of the first blast, killing one person.
The injured are receiving treatment at the General Hospital in Gwoza.
The military has, as a result of the explosions, declared a curfew in Gwoza with immediate effect. The spokesperson of Sector One Operation Hadin Kai and 7 Division confirmed the incident but said no situation report yet from Gwoza.
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents in the region, which has been plagued by insurgency and terrorism in recent years.