13 killed, 40 injured in Bauchi twin blasts

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No fewer than 13 people died and 40 others injured as two bomb explosions occurred at a commercial bank in Azare in Katagum Local Government Area of Bauchi State on Friday.

Though the police could not give casualty figures, unconfirmed source said 13 people died in the explosion while 40 were injured.

The source said that the bomb blasts occurred at the Automated Teller Machine of the bank as customers were queuing to make withdrawals at about 9am.

He said two men walked up to the ATM and pretended to withdraw money from the facility and shortly after dropped the object and hurriedly left the scene. Another one also exploded as people hurried to assist the victims.

He said that eight people were killed on the spot but the death toll rose to 13 later.

According to him, most of the people affected are Bauchi State workers, who were waiting to collect their salaries.

It was further learnt that the device was planted within the bank premises and exploded as customers, including people from Misau, Shira, Giade and Potiskum in Yobe State lined up at the bank to withdraw their salaries. It was learnt that the police have, however, arrested four people in connection with the blasts.

The police spokesman, Mohammad Haruna, did not pick calls, a statement was released.

The statement by the police read, “On November 7, 2014 at about 10:05hrs, there was a bomb explosion suspected to be carried out by a female suicide bomber at a bank premises in Azare, Bauchi State.

“The scene of the incident was visited by the state Commissioner of Police for assessment and to commiserate with casualties.

“So far, seven persons were confirmed dead, while 10 others who sustained various degrees of injuries have been rushed to Federal Medical Centre, Azare.

“The entire surrounding had been cordoned off and swept by police explosive ordinance disposal unit.”