The bombers of a Bauchi hotel on Friday evening were dressed in Nigerian military uniform and shot at those who managed to survive the explosion, witnesses have said.
The explosion targeted a brothel in Bauchi metropolis of Bauchi State and claimed 10 lives while 14 others sustained injuries, the spokesperson of the police in the state, Haruna Mohammed, said.
Mr. Mohammed said the blast took place at about 9:50 p.m. at a brothel at Bayangari area and the injured were taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, for treatment.
He said all the ten corpses were evacuated to the Mortuary.
“The entire surrounding has been cordoned and scene secure. No arrest has been made yet and investigation has commenced to ascertain the cause” Mr. Mohammed said in a statement late Friday evening.
On Saturday morning, security officials from different agencies were seen at the scene.
A survivor, Ahmed Maidoki, told the News Agency of Nigeria that five persons in military uniform carried out the attack by detonating explosives and shooting at random.
“We were just sitting down, watching highlights of the ongoing FIFA world cup at the viewing centre located in between the two story building of the hotel when five men dressed in military uniform strolled in.
“We thought they were security personnel, who came to relax as well. I noticed they all positioned themselves at the four corners of the hall.
“The next thing I heard was an explosion, after which the arena was covered with thick smoke. Shivering, my friends and I sprawled on the ground.
“We were trying to get out when the five men started shooting sporadically at any one who tried to stand up, and in the process, killing many of the survivors of the blast,” he said.
Another witness, Usman Hassan, said he was just about to enter the hotel when the blast occurred and immediately ran away from the scene.
“As soon as I was a bit far from the scene, I heard gun-shots. Few minutes later, a white Toyota Hilux vehicle zoomed out of the hotel on high speed with men wearing army uniforms”, he said.
No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion in the North-Eastern state, although the Boko Haram, which has killed over 12,000 people since 2009, is the main suspect.
The group, which is largely based in the north-east, has carried out attacks in various parts of Northern Nigeria.
(NAN)
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