Niger, Nassarawa explosions kill 47, injure many

TENSION is mounting in Galkogo community of Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State after over 20 persons have died with many others sustaining various degrees of injuries following a twin explosion, yesterday.

  Residents say those involved include vigilantes, hawkers and passers-by that were caught up in an inferno that was sparked off after the two blasts that occurred almost at once.

  No official reason has been given for the explosions but residents say the blasts were caused by air strikes.

  A resident who identified himself as Buba Kadir said the air strikes was carried out by a security patrol team targeting terrorists in the community.

  “I believe the occupants of the fighter jet thought that the JTF members were bandits because there is really no reason to justify bombing them like that. I can’t tell you how many bodies were removed from where the incident occurred, but I saw two vehicles that carried bodies from the scene,” he said.

  Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of Niger State, Wasiu Abiodun, refused to confirm the incident.

  According to him, Niger State Commissioner for Internal Security and Humanitarian Affairs, Emmanuel Umar, may be in better position to comment on the case.

  In a related development, no fewer than 27 were killed after a bomb exploded in Rukubi community in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

  Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Nassarawa State, Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the incident to newsmen in Lafia, yesterday.

  Explaining that police have since commenced investigation into the matter, Nansel appealed for calm in the state.