Another northern leader escaped death by bombing, this time in Yobe state where a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device targeting Muslim faithfuls coming out of a mosque after Friday prayers.
Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Chiefs, was said to have narrowly escaped death at the scene of yet another bomb attack in Nigeria’s restive north.
An eye witness told Vanguard newspapers that the attack targeted the Central Mosque, located in front of the Emir’s palace in Potiskum town. According to the witness, the attacker was spotted twice, standing close to the Emir.
“An unknown person was initially sighted sitting among the Emir’s entourage and he was asked to leave the place. So, immediately after the prayer, the same person was sighted rushing towards the Emir but the Emir’s Police orderly quickly pushed the man and the bomb exploded pulling the Police’s arm and injuring dozens of people,” the witness said.
The suicide bomber was torn in two, his chest and head severed from his lower body. It is unclear if there were other casualties from the deadly attack.
Police and military personnel tried without success to evacuate the scene of the crime. When the crowd of onlookers refused to leave, a law enforcement official had reportedly fired his weapon into the air to scare away the growing crowd, but that only served to anger them and sparked a protest against the officer’s behavior.
Spiritual leaders were called upon to calm the angry mob. Meanwhile, injured victims from the attack were rushed to the emergency unit of the General Hospital in Potiskum where they received treatment.
The city remains tense after the attack. Adamu Abdullahi a Muslim Cleric condemned the attack saying “it is very unfortunate for a suicide bomber to attack Muslims on a worship ground in the month of Ramadan, this is a devilish act and God will punish the perpetrators of this evil act”.
Security agents have been deployed to the area and are taking measures to restore peace and normalcy.
