Maiduguri blasts update: 18 people killed

A bombed scene at Kuje Abuja

The twin bomb blasts that happened at a Maiduguri mosque  early today killed at least 18 people. The National Emergency Management Agency, however,  said it evacuated six bodies from the scene.

A local vigilance group member said the bombing by a suicide bomber occurred when worshippers at the mosque in the Jiddari Polo  area were gathered at about 5 a.m for the early morning prayer.

Troops have cordoned off the bombed zone.

The vigilance member said there appeared to be only one suicide bomber though “we all heard two explosions”.

The National Emergency Management Agency however said  it has evacuated six bodies from the scene.

Maiduguri outskirts had been bombed several times in the last week by agents of Boko Haram.