13 killed, 40 injured in Bauchi twin blasts

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."


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