Breaking News: Many Feared Dead as Car Bomb Explodes in Maiduguri

 

Many feared dead and injured after car bomb explodes in the capital of Borno state, Maiduguri.
A bomb, suspected to have been detonated by a suicide bomber, went off in a densely populated commercial area of Maiduguri, called Post Office, which is also close to a large military post JTF Sector 4.

A reporter from Premium Times was about 200 m from the scene of the tragedy and was able to transfer the photo shown in this article.

The explosion occurred at exactly 1.30 p.m., January 14, 2014, Tuesday.

People with blood drenched bodies were seen scampering for safety.

Gunshots, allegedly fired by the JTF squad, have been heard.

Many people were injured as a vehicle from the other lane was also seen burning.

Vehicles collided with one another as they tried to escape from the scene.

“From our preliminary reports, we have 17 dead and at least five injured from the blast in the post office area of the city,” an official in Maiduguri told the newsmen, warning that the toll could rise. 

The scene of the blast has been cordoned off by heavily armed military operatives. Rescue workers were also trying to assist.

Latest information on Maiduguri bomb blast indicates that no fewer than 30 people lost their lives while twenty vehicles and many roadside tents destroyed.

A source of DailyTrust at a local hospital said over 30 dead bodies were deposited at the State Specialists Hospital.

There has been no comment from the military so far.

It would be noted that this was the first blast in Maiduguri since the middle of the year 2013.
More to follow...