Expdonaloaded News; Boko Haram bombers kill 54 in Borno

SUSPECTED Boko Haram insurgents on Sun- day, punctured the relative peace in Maiduguri, Borno State capital, as multiple explosions killed no fewer than 54 people. A suicide bomber was said to have detonated ex- plosive devices inside a mosque midway into Muslim night prayers at Ajilari Cross in the metropolis at about 7.20pm.
Witnesses said another bomber also threw ex- plosive devices at an area where cell phone acces- sories are sold, while the third blast occurred in a local market near the area, all at the Gomari area. Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman confirmed the blasts in a statement on Sunday night, but did not give any detail. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the State, Victor Isuku, con- firmed that 54 people died while 90 others were injured, adding that those injured were taken to various hospitals in the capital city. Meanwhile, a lone survivor of the first bomb explosion at a Maiduguri mosque has recounted how Boko Haram suicide bombers killed about 20 people while praying. According to the survi- vor (names withheld), who is also the Imam of the mosque at Ajilari Cross, two bombers stationed themselves around the mosque at prayer time. “It was at about 7.30pm. I led a congregational prayers and we were at the middle of the prayers, when I heard the blast,” the survivor said.