Suicide Bomber Attacks Shia Procession in Nigeria
The attack happened in the village of Dakasoye, some 20 kilometers (13 miles) south of the city, during a march by Shia followers of Nigeria.
The group, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, said on its website the blast happened at 2:00 pm (1300 GMT) and that “scores” had been killed.
But there was no official indication of casualties and one of the organizers told AFP: “It’s a huge crowd so it’s too early to give a precise figure of casualties. We now have the other suspect in custody.”
The organizer, who asked to remain anonymous, said the bomber ran into the crowd before he could be spotted and detonated his explosives.
“He was dressed in black like everyone else. His accomplice was initially arrested and confessed they were sent by Boko Haram,” he added.
Heavy casualties feared after NE Nigeria blast
“They were part of the young men abducted by Boko Haram in (the Borno state town of) Mubi last year and taken to Sambisa Forest where they were given some military training.
“They were sent to Kano 11 days ago and kept in a house specifically for this attack.”
The bomber detonated his explosives after realizing his accomplice had been arrested, the organiser added.
Boko Haram, the radical extremists who want to create a hardline state in northeast Nigeria, has previously been blamed for attacks on Shia Muslims in the region.
Last November at least 15 people were killed and some 50 others injured in a suicide bombing targeting the Shia Muslim festival of Ashura in the city of Potiskum, in Yobe state.
Source: AFP
