An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) or bomb concealed in a black plastic bag killed several people at an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cash point on the premises of First Bank in Azare, North Eastern Nigeria’s State of Bauchi.
The bomb allegedly dropped by a man who had pretended to be customer, went off about 10.30am on Friday, near the scene of a recent bus station attack in the same state. Though no group has claimed responsibility for the blast, but security source said it must be the handiwork of the Islamists Boko Haram.
Residents of the town of Azare told our Correspondent that the bomber approached people who had queued up outside a First Bank branch at roughly 10:30 am.
“A man came on foot to this ATM where a large crowd was taking turns to withdraw money,” said Lamara Ibrahim, a Police officer serving in Azare, Area command of Bauchi State Police Command, who was at the scene.
The man tried to leave a black plastic bag on a parked motorcycle nearby but was stopped before he could leave by other customers and security personnel of the bank, who said leaving parcels unaccompanied was prohibited following recent unrest in the area.
“It was while they were talking to him that the bomb exploded. I saw at least 10 people that looked dead,” said Ibrahim, noting that he was not in a position to authoritatively confirm the death toll.
Musa Usman, another Policeman who was also nearby, gave an identical account of the attack and estimated that several people were killed. A bomb blast at a bus station in Azare killed at least five people on October 23, with many in the city also pointing the finger at Boko Haram, which is waging a five-year uprising against the Nigerian state.
The bus station is just 100 metres (330 feet) from the cash machine.
An official at the depot, who asked to remain anonymous, said he rushed down the road after hearing a “huge blast” and helped evacuate the victims from the scene to a hospital.
He also estimated that 10 people were killed and several others were injured.
Police in Bauchi did not answer calls and messages seeking comment.
The Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesperson in the area, Musa Sagir, confirmed the development, but said it was still too early to give an account of casualty. “I can’t give casualty figure now, because it still very early.”
