A suicide bomber struck a bustling local food joint in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State late Friday night, killing over 10 people and injuring several others in what authorities have described as a tragic and devastating attack.
The incident occurred at approximately 10pm, when the attacker detonated an explosive device in the middle of a gathering at the food spot, a popular location frequented by residents and passersby. Eyewitnesses told reporters that the area was filled with people eating and socializing when the explosion went off, causing chaos and panic.
Confirming the incident to PUNCH Online on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said that the explosion resulted in the death of over 10 people, with many others sustaining various degrees of injuries. He added that the police had deployed Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts to the scene in collaboration with the military and other security agencies to ensure safety and begin a full investigation.
“Yesterday, around 22:00 in Konduga, just unfortunately, somebody invaded a gathering with a bomb, killing over 10 persons,” Daso said. “Investigation is ongoing to ascertain what actually or really happened. The detail is still scanty.”
Local sources at the scene reported that the suicide bomber was killed in the blast and was burnt beyond recognition. Several of the injured victims were rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
“It is a busy joint where people come together, buy food and eat. There are passersby and others. Everything was going normal until a loud sound was heard. It was a devastating moment. Many people died,” one witness recounted.
Authorities have assured residents of increased security presence in the area as investigations continue into the motive and group behind the attack. The incident is the latest in a series of violent acts to hit northeastern Nigeria, where insurgency-related violence has continued to affect communities.
