Death toll rises to 30 in Borno suicide attack

The Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) has put at 30, the death toll in the suicide attack in Konduga local government area of the state.

A source had told newsmen on Sunday that five persons were killed in the attack at Mandarari community in Konduga.

Bello Danbatta, head of SEMA, had confirmed the attack but could not give the casualty figure.

But on Monday, Usman Kachala, SEMA director of search, rescue, and operations, gave the casualty figure, saying 47 persons who sustained injuries in the attacks were in the hospital.

Kachala said three suicide bombers, comprising two females and a male, detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) at a local tea joint and film center in the community.

He said about 17 persons died instantly, adding that the death toll increased to 30 on Monday as a result of lack of immediate medical attention.

He added that his staff could not reach the spot of the incident as the military had closed the road to traffic and the hospital in Konduga did not have enough facilities to handle the situation.

“When we arrived Konduga early this morning, the military prevented us from gaining access to the community to assist the victims,” he said.

“They told us they were given order from above not to open the road until 9am.”