From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri

Five persons have been confirmed dead and 15 others injured after suicide bombers attacked two internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Spokesman of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), North-East office, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, in a statement, confirmed the multiple blasts

“At about 11.20pm yesterday (Sunday) night, two suicide bombers (a male and female) detonated their improvised explosive device at Dalori 1 IDP camp leading to the death of four IDPs while 15 others were injured.

Another incident occurred at Dalori 2 IDP camp where a suicide bomber was intercepted leading to the death of the suicide bomber. Injured persons have been administered with first aid and moved to hospitals in Maiduguri.”

The statement added that a female suicide bomber was shot by securitymen when she attempted to cross the perimeter fence at Dalori 2 camp.

“They shot her and the explosive device strapped to her body detonated, and blew the woman into pieces,” the statement said.

It said another female suicide bomber was intercepted and killed by vigilance group at Gate 3, University of Maiduguri.

A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, Abdullahi Muhammad, said the woman detonated the explosive when she was stopped by their men on duty at about 7:45 am, killing  herself and injuring a member of the vigilance group.

The injured victims were referred to Special Hospital, Maiduguri for treatment.  

In their reaction, the police in Borno, yesterday, said two Boko Haram suicide bombers were killed in a failed attempt to attack displaced persons camps and the University of Maiduguri.

A statement signed by Victor Isuku, the Police Public Relations Officer, said the suicide bombers were killed by security operatives before they hit their targets.

“On Sunday at about 2115hrs, a suspected female Boko Haram terrorist, took advantage of the darkness and attempted to gain access into Dalori 2 IDPs camp through the rear perimeter fence.

“Fortunately, she was sighted by vigilant security personnel on duty and chased. In an attempt to escape arrest, she hurriedly detonated the IED strapped to her body, killing herself alone. The impact of the explosion destroyed a portion of the IDP camp fence.

“In the early hours of today (yesterday) at about 0400hrs, a male suicide bomber attempted to gain entry into the premises of University of Maiduguri.

“On sighting the presence of security personnel deployed to the University on duty, he hurriedly detonated his IED, killing himself alone near the BOT building,” Mr. Isuku said in the statement.

Borno State Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, also confirmed the explosions to Daily Sun. He said the police Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) has moved into the area to clear the scenes and urged residents not to panic.

Boko Haram, which claimed responsibility for most of the bombing in the area, has stepped up suicide bomb attacks in recent time.