It was inintially reported as a suicide bomb attack but the governor of the Far North Region and the military have clearified that it was indeed tragic manipulation of a grenade by some kids. All the nine deaths were Nigerian children in Fotokol, a locality that has witnessed previous deadly Boko Haram attacks.
The deadly explosion happened at Ngala Market in the Gambaru zone in Fotokol in the Far north Region. Following is the recation of the ministry of defence:
On Monday January 6th, 2020, it was about 2:30pm when two little boys went to the Ngala periodic market at the Nigerian side of the bridge over River El Beid, between Gambaru ( Nigeria) and Fotokol ( Cameroon). These boys were manipulating a grenade they found certainly in the sand of the locality, and they decided to sell the grenade to the highest bidder so as to make some money.
It is during this reckless manipulation that the grenade exploded, causing deaths and desolation amongst those present at the scene.
The human casualty of this tragic incident is as follows :
- 9 deaths seemingly all
of Nigerian Nationality ; - 21 Nigerians wounded ;
- 5 Cameroonians wounded.
All the wounded were evacuated to health facilities at the borders precisely at Medical Centers in Fotokol in Cameroon and Gambaru in Nigeria.
Investigations and eye witnessed account with the survivors of the incident proof with certainty that it was not a suicide bomb attack.
Commander
Cyrille Serge ATONFACK GUEMO
Head of Communication Division
Ministry of Defence
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