This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/mar/16/nigeria-mosque-suicide-bomb-attack-maiduguri

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Nigeria mosque targeted in suicide bomb attack Nigeria mosque targeted in suicide bomb attack
(about 4 hours later)
At least 22 people are dead after an attack by two female suicide bombers on a mosque on the outskirts of Maiduguri in north-east Nigeria, rescue officials have said. At least 24 people are dead and 23 injured after an attack by two female suicide bombers on a mosque on the outskirts of Maiduguri in north-east Nigeria, officials have said.
One bomber blew herself up inside the mosque and the second waited outside to detonate as survivors tried to escape, said Abba Aji, a coordinator from the civilian self-defence Vigilante Group.One bomber blew herself up inside the mosque and the second waited outside to detonate as survivors tried to escape, said Abba Aji, a coordinator from the civilian self-defence Vigilante Group.
At least 17 people were taken to the hospital, an emergency services official said.
Umar Usman said he escaped injury because he was late. “We were just a few metres away from the mosque when a loud bang erupted and all we could see was dark smoke and bodies littered around,” he said.Umar Usman said he escaped injury because he was late. “We were just a few metres away from the mosque when a loud bang erupted and all we could see was dark smoke and bodies littered around,” he said.
The mosque is in the Boko Haram stronghold of Umarari on the outskirts of the city, which is a command centre for the Nigerian military’s war against Boko Haram Islamic insurgents. In recent months, suicide bombers have blown themselves up at roadblocks manned by the military and vigilantes that lead into the city, indicating success in preventing attackers from reaching crowded areas.The mosque is in the Boko Haram stronghold of Umarari on the outskirts of the city, which is a command centre for the Nigerian military’s war against Boko Haram Islamic insurgents. In recent months, suicide bombers have blown themselves up at roadblocks manned by the military and vigilantes that lead into the city, indicating success in preventing attackers from reaching crowded areas.
Wednesday’s attack during dawn prayers is the first attack on Maiduguri since 28 December, when Boko Haram killed at least 50 people in an operation involving rocket-propelled grenades and multiple suicide bombers.Wednesday’s attack during dawn prayers is the first attack on Maiduguri since 28 December, when Boko Haram killed at least 50 people in an operation involving rocket-propelled grenades and multiple suicide bombers.
The military said dozens of emaciated extremists surrendered this month, indicating success in cutting supply routes, including from neighbouring 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 US Africa Command said they still hold “significant” territory and officials in the north-east said that includes three border towns.