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Rescuers: Female suicide bombers kill 22 at Nigerian mosque Rescuers: Female suicide bombers kill 22 at Nigerian mosque
(about 2 hours later)
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Two female suicide bombers killed at least 22 worshippers in an attack during dawn prayers Wednesday on a mosque on the outskirts of the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri, rescue officials said from the birthplace of Boko Haram. MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Two female suicide bombers killed at least 22 worshippers in an attack during dawn prayers Wednesday on a mosque on the outskirts of the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri, officials said from the birthplace of Boko Haram.
One bomber blew up inside the mosque and the second waited outside to detionate as survivors tried to escape, said coordinator Abba Aji of the civilian self-defense Vigilante Group. One bomber blew up inside the mosque and the second waited outside to detonate as survivors tried to escape, said coordinator Abba Aji of the civilian self-defense Vigilante Group.
At least 17 people were wounded and evacuated to the hospital, said Abdul Mohammed of the State Emergency Management Agency. At least 18 people were wounded and evacuated to the hospital, said army spokesman Col. Sani Usman.
Umar Usman said he escaped because he was late. “We were just a few meters away from the mosque when a loud bang erupted and all we could see was dark smoke and bodies littered around,” he told The Associated Press.Umar Usman said he escaped because he was late. “We were just a few meters away from the mosque when a loud bang erupted and all we could see was dark smoke and bodies littered around,” he told The Associated Press.
The mosque is in the Boko Haram stronghold of Umarari on the outskirts of the city that is the command center of the Nigerian military’s war against Boko Haram Islamic insurgents. Several suicide bombers have exploded in recent months at roadblocks leading into the city manned by the military and vigilantes, indicating success in preventing attackers from reaching crowded areas. Rescuers were still searching for bodies or survivors. A hospital official said 13 bodies already have been claimed for the speedy burials required by Muslim tradition.
It is the first attack on Maiduguri since Dec. 28, when Boko Haram attacked with rocket-propelled grenades and multiple suicide bombers, killing at least 50 people. The mosque is in Umarari on the outskirts of the city that is the military command center of the war against Boko Haram Islamic insurgents. Reports that Umarari is a Boko Haram stronghold were incorrect, officials said.
Several suicide bombers have exploded in recent months at roadblocks leading into the city, indicating success in preventing attackers from reaching crowded areas.
It is the first attack on Maiduguri since Dec. 28, when rocket-propelled grenades and multiple suicide bombers killed 50 people including refugees from the war.
The military said dozens of emaciated extremists surrendered this month, indicating success in cutting supply routes, including from neighboring countries to which the insurgency has spread.
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has claimed that the military has forced Boko Haram out of all towns. But the general in charge of U.S. Africa Command said they still hold “significant” territory and northeastern officials said that includes three border towns.
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This corrects that Umarari is not a Boko Haram stronghold.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.