Soldier and One Civilian Killed in Maiduguri Explosion

Oct 11, 2011 – 2 people were killed yesterday after two bombs exploded in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital. The bombs were allegedly detonated by suspected members of the Boko Haram sect.

One of the explosions which occurred near the After-Hour Market killed a soldier, according to the spokesman to the Joint Military Task Force (JTF), Victor Ebhaleme.

A civilian also died at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), a mortuary attendant claimed.

Another blast about 16 kilometres away had Sunday afternoon injured one person and destroyed a patrol vehicle parked in front of a Mosque, Ebhaleme said.

The JTF spokesman said two other soldiers were injured during yesterday’s explosion.

A witness, who did not identify himself for fear of reprisals, alleged the military burned down several shops at the market after accusing traders of allowing the Boko Haram members to hide bombs in their stalls.

Ebhaleme said some residents had been “harbouring suspects”, but he denied the claims that the shops were torched by soldiers.