An explosion has gone off at the popular Maiduguri poultry market, with several people feared dead, residents, journalists and security operatives have told PREMIUM TIMES.
Our correspondent says the incident, happening less than six weeks after the same market was attacked by suicide bombers, occurred at 12:20 P.M. Nigerian time.
Details of the incident is sketchy and the casualty rate is unclear. But the explosion has sparked panic across the Borno state capital, with some residents scampering home for safety.
The spokesperson of the Borno Police, Gideon Jibrin, confirmed the explosion.
He however said police detectives were heading to the scene to ascertain the extent of damage.
A security source, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, however said the the explosive was ferried into the market by a female suicide bomber believed not to be older than 10.
“Her body was completely shattered,” he said. “Because of the high calibre explosive she strapped to her body, the upper part of her body was flung apart and found about 500 metres away.”
The source said the explosion occurred shortly after another suspected bomber was apprehended in the area.
Suicide bombers, believed to be members of the extremist Boko Haram sect, had attacked the same market last December 1.
The police said six people, including two female suicide bombers, died in that attack.