ISWAP Terrorists Claim Bombing Of Taraba Market

The Islamic State in West Africa Province, ISWAP has claimed responsibility for the recent bombing of a market in Taraba State.

Naija News had reported earlier that no less than three persons were killed and nineteen injured as a bomb went off in a drinking joint at a cattle market in Iware Community of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

The unfortunate incident took place on Tuesday, April 19th when Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off at Iware cattle market.

The State Police Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Usman, who confirmed the incident to newsmen said that injured victims are currently receiving treatment in a hospital.

He said; “three persons were confirmed dead and 19 others injured.

“It’s yet too early to ascertain who the attackers were. But we suspect that bandits may have carried out the attack at a drinking joint and not cattle market in Iware.”

A statement, however, credited to the terrorist group on Wednesday, claimed at least 30 people were killed and injured 30 at the market where alcohol was sold.

The recent explosion in the northern state marks an expansion of the area where the ISIL affiliate operates in Nigeria.

A Telegram channel reportedly used by ISWAP, described those who detonated the bomb in the market as “soldiers of the caliphate in central Nigeria”.

The statement said the attack had struck “a gathering of infidel Christians” and expressed satisfaction that the drinking spot had been damaged. It did not break down the casualty figure into dead and injured.

The police command in the state had said that the Tuesday incident makes it the second time an explosion such as this is occurring, with the first at a catholic school in Mutum Biyu, the headquarters of Gassol Local Government Area, 30 kilometres away from each other a month ago.

The State PPRO said that security operatives have been drafted to the scene to commence investigation as well as douse the tension already created.