In Nigeria, 32 people were killed in a series of suicide attacks carried out on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 June by female suicide bombers in the town of Gwoza, in the north-east of the country. The country’s vice-president, Kashim Shettima, announced this new toll on Monday 1 July. This modus operandi is reminiscent of that used by the terrorist organisation Boko Haram at the height of the jihadist insurgency that has been ravaging Borno State for over 12 years.
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The first explosion took place at a wedding. Witnesses said a woman carrying a child on her back detonated her suicide belt in the middle of the crowd. As funeral prayers for the victims of the first attack were underway, a second female suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in the crowd, killing many. Another explosion occurred near the general hospital in the town of Gwoza, this time triggered by a teenage girl. And a fourth suicide bombing targeted a Nigerian army security post.
According to Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, the death toll reached 32 on Monday and more than forty injured. The latter visited the hospital where the victims were treated. The authorities also announced that they had arrested two other women involved but who did not commit the act. The Commissioner for Information and Internal Security of Borno State, blamed the porous borders, which are difficult to monitor.
This series of bloody attacks recalls the worst hours of the jihadist insurgency in Borno State. The use of girls and women to carry out suicide attacks was common at the time.while this method of operation has become much rarer in recent years.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu condemned ” a desperate act of terror ” and he considered it to be a ” isolated episode “The United Nations, the United States and France have shared their condolences and assured Nigeria of their support in the fight against terrorism.
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