Many feared dead as Boko Haram hits Jumaat mosque in Yola (Updated)

In from Timothy Enietan-Matthews (Nation’s capital) . . .

Hours after suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked a mosque in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, Friday morning, many worshippers are feared dead in Yola, the Adamawa State capital, after a bomb attack on a Jumaat mosque in  Jambutu, Jimeta area of the city, killing at least 18 people and injuring 60.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the figures.

According to reports,  the explosion occurred as worshippers about observing the weekly Jumaat service.

According to a Premium Times  reporter in Yola, rescue officials from the Red Cross, the National Emergency Management Agency and the security agencies have arrived the scene and and were evacuating victims to hospital.

“As I speak to you, dismembered bodies of several victims are being moved and the place have been cordoned off,” he said.

A witness said the blast occurred immediately after the jumuah prayers commenced on Friday

Survivors said the teenage bomber who disguised as worshipper detonated the explosives in the premises after failing to reach the main building.

The Police Public Relations Officer in Adamawa, DSP Othman Abubakar confirmed the death of many worshippers in the suicide bombing.

Spokesman of hospital the Federal Medical Centre, Yola, Adamu Dodo said the hospital had received several victims in critical conditions appealing for blood donation from members of the public.

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