Bomb blast rocks Borno again

The fragile peace of Borno State was disrupted yesterday evening when another bomb explosion occurred in Maiduguri metropolis, a development which made many residents to panic.
The blast which occurred at about 4pm on yesterday afternoon at new Joint Task Force (JTF) sector post at Gwange area of the metropolis was believed to have been perpetrated by the Boko Haram.

There were palpable fears among residents as many hurriedly abandoned their social engagements and scurry home. Many were also said to have sent SMS to their friends and relatives warning them to stay in door to avoid being victim of the renewed bomb blast attack.

Daily Sun gathered that the explosive was thrown into the JTF vehicle around their post in the area though some residents of the area claimed the explosive dropped from the JTF vehicles, a claim which was faulted by two of the personnel of the task force. Sources hinted that two of the JTF men were injured but this could not be confirmed from the JTF.

However, the soldiers who spoke on condition of anonymity blamed the people of the area for “allowing the Boko Haram men used their residences as cover” whenever they perpetrated such act, calling on the community leaders to help fish out the perpetrators.

JTF spokesman, Lt Colonel Hassan Mohammed confirmed the incident in a telephone conversation with Daily Sun but urged the reporter to “call back after one hour” to get further detail. However, his mobile line could not be reached as at the time of going to the press. It was not also certain if he got the SMS sent to him to respond to the claims of the residents.
From TIMOTHY OLA, Maiduguri
Monday, October 10, 2011
 SUN