2 female suicide bombers kill 4 others in Kano market blasts

Six persons died yesterday while seven others were injured when two female suicide bombers blew up themselves at Kantin Kwari textile market in Kano less than two weeks after a similar incident happened at Kano Central Mosque which claimed more than 100 lives.

Kano State Police Commissioner, Mr Adenrele Shinaba, who confirmed the bomb attack said “the blast was a twin suicide bombings carried out by two young girls in hijab. They came by the market and asked to be directed to a public convenience. The bombs detonated, killing them and four others,”adding that at least seven others were injured and have been taken to the hospital.

According to an eyewitness, the suicide bombers were denied access when they asked to use the convenience which led to a serious argument that drew a large crowd.

Vanguard learnt that immediately a noticeable crowd gathered at the scene, one of the suicide bombers immediately detonated her bomb. The incident which triggered panic in the restive city compelled the authority to shut the textile market to forestall looting and also to enable the security agents comb the market.

A female banker, who did not want her name in print, told Vanguard that the blast sent shock waves to the banking hall as customers and officials scampered for safety.

She said: “We heard the blast and in no time, a thick smoke enveloped the banking hall and it was a total confusion as people struggled through the exit route.”

In his account, the leader of the market traders union, Abdullahi Abubakar, said the blasts hit a parking area rather than the main market. He estimated that the attackers were in their late teens and said they were accompanied by a man who disappeared after the girls blew themselves up.

Blood stained the walls and floors of affected buildings following the blasts. Angry youths converged on the area and were kept at bay by police and soldiers, while the bombers’ remains were then taken away, an AFP correspondent said.