IGP, Mohammed Abubakar

By Michael Olugbode

A suicide bomber Friday  made an attempt on the life of the Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa at the Potiskum Central Mosque  moments after the Friday prayer.

It was gathered that the suicide bomber narrowly detonated an impoverished explosive device, IED, just when the Royal Father was coming out from  the Mosque after the prayer session.  The bomber   was few distance away from  the Royal father.

An eyewitness, who gave his name as Salisu Musa, said “during our Friday prayer at the Central Mosque located in front of the Emir’s Palace here in Potiskum town, an unknown person was initially sighted sitting among the Emir’s entourage and was asked to leave the place, but immediately after the prayer the same person was sighted rushing towards the Emir and the Emir’s Police orderly had to quickly push  the man away.

"Though the orderly was able to save the Emir, he was not so lucky enough as the bomb exploded immediately the man was pushed and he got injured on his arms alongside dozen other people."

When the scene of the incident was later visited by ThisDay, the corpse of the alleged suicide bomber was seen torn into pieces with his waist and chest torn.

Many persons who  got the information   turned the place into "a mecca" of sort.  Hundreds of people  were seen trooping to the area,  and all appeals  to vacate the area and allow the security operatives made up of policemen and soldiers do their work  seemed  to  have fell on deaf ears.

The refusal of the mob almost caused a confrontation with the soldiers as gunshot were shot into the air to scare   the onlookers away.  The situation had to be assuaged by some elders of the Emirate Council who immediately intervened to calm the situation.

The victims were all rushed to the emergency unit of the General Hospital, Potiskum for treatment. About 15 persons were seen receiving treatment when our Correspondent  visited the hospital.

It was   gathered that many more worshippers that had minor injuries had to go to their various homes to treat   their wounds.
ThisDay can report that tension has risen in Potiskum town over the incident as many could not but show their disgust over frequent attack on the town by persons believed to be members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect.

It could be recalled that few months ago,  there was an attack on the town's cattle market where scores of people were killed and property including cattle worth millions of Naira lost.

A Muslim cleric, Adamu Abdullahi, who spoke to journalists, condemned the attack. He sad: “It is very unfortunate for a suicide bomber to attack his fellow faithful on a worship ground in the month of Ramadan, this is a devilish act and God will punish the perpetrators of this evil act”.

Following the incident, security has been intensified in the town.  There were many road blocks in the town, including  a road block   near  the Divisional Police Office  to  avoid further attack on the Police..

By the time of filing this report, there was no confirmation  from the police as the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Toyin Gbagadesin told  journalists when contacted on phone that “the Police Commissioner will soon brief the press on the matter.”