A suicide bomber attacked a busy food joint in Konduga, Borno State, on Friday night, killing over 10 people and injuring many others. The explosion occurred around 10pm. Police confirmed the incident and deployed bomb experts and security forces to the area. An investigation is underway, while locals say the bomber was burnt beyond recognition and victims were rushed to the hospital.

A devastating suicide bombing shook the Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State late Friday night, leaving more than 10 people dead and several others with varying degrees of injuries. The incident occurred around 10pm at a popular local food joint that typically attracts residents and passersby seeking evening meals and social interaction.

According to information gathered, the attack happened abruptly, catching many unsuspecting victims off guard as they dined and relaxed in what had been a lively and bustling atmosphere. Witnesses described scenes of horror, confusion, and chaos as the explosion ripped through the crowd, leaving bodies strewn across the site, many of them lifeless or severely wounded.

Confirming the tragic development, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, Assistant Superintendent of Police Nahum Daso, stated that the explosion had resulted in the deaths of over 10 individuals. He noted that efforts were ongoing to confirm the precise number of casualties, as the situation was still unfolding and details remained limited.

“Yesterday, around 22:00 in Konduga, just unfortunately, somebody invaded a gathering with a bomb, killing over 10 persons,” he said.

He further explained that security forces had acted swiftly to respond to the emergency. The police, in collaboration with the military and other sister security agencies, immediately deployed their Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) experts to the scene to manage the aftermath and secure the area from any secondary threats.

“We have deployed our EOD experts, together with the military and other security agencies, to the town,” Daso added.

An official investigation into the incident has already commenced. The police are working to uncover the identity of the suicide bomber, the method used in executing the attack, and any possible affiliations with extremist groups. The attack bears hallmarks similar to those carried out by insurgent groups operating in the northeastern region.

“Investigation is ongoing to ascertain what actually or really happened. The detail is still scanty,” the police spokesperson said, emphasizing that the full picture would become clearer in the coming days as inquiries continue.

Local residents who witnessed the blast described it as a horrifying experience. One source told reporters that the food joint was a well-known gathering spot for people from various parts of the community. According to the witness, the bomber had likely blended in with the crowd before triggering the explosive device.

“It is a busy joint where people come together, buy food, and eat. There are passersby and others,” the source said. “Everything was going normal until a loud sound was heard. It was a devastating moment. Many people died.”

The same source confirmed that the suicide bomber’s body was burnt beyond recognition due to the force of the explosion. Several people who sustained serious injuries were quickly rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention, though the condition of some victims remains critical.

As the community grapples with the shock and grief of the incident, security forces have increased patrols in and around Konduga to restore calm and reassure residents. There is a heightened presence of both police and military personnel in the area as authorities work to prevent any further attacks and uncover those behind the deadly bombing.