Two suicide bombers hit Gombe soldiers’ market

There was panic on New Year eve in Gombe as a large explosion was heard at a market close to the Army barracks in the town.

It was gathered that two suicide bombers tried to smuggle themselves into the market (Mammy Market) at the Army barracks in Gombe but were asked to be checked.

They were said to have refused to go back and were forced to turn back.

The explosive devices strapped on them went off just as they were retreating, killing both of them and injuring those within the vicinity, including the soldiers on guard, who just turned them back.

An eyewitness, who preferred anonymity, spoke to a correspondent with Punch on the telephone from Gombe. He said, “Two suspected suicide bombers arrived the scene at about 8pm local time on a motorcycle, but the vehemently refused to be searched by the security men at the gate as has been the custom.

“Just moments after they were refused passage, before anyone knew what was happening, they detonated the bomb strapped on them right there at the gate.”

He said two corpses of the suicide bombers were still on the floor on Wednesday night.

“Though, there are varying degrees of injuries received by the soldiers, who mounted the security check and others nearby but there was no other death,” the source said.

He said the entire place had since been cordoned off by the military. ...Punch