There was panic in Kano on Friday evening as a bomb blast killed at least six people and injured many others when the residents were returning home after the close of business.
According to the accounts of some eyewitnesses, the blast occurred along the Maiduguri Road opposite an NNPC filling station in the Hotoro area of the city.
Panicked residents told journalists that the blast shook several houses around the scene of the tragedy. Security operatives, including fire fighters and the police were reportedly battling to rescue the injured victims as of press time.
An eyewitness said he saw the bodies of at least six people. It was further learnt that the dead included the suicide bomber, three policemen and two others. Scores of others were said to have been seriously injured in the attack.
A resident of the town, who simply identified himself as Salami, said he just left the city when the incident occurred.
“I couldn’t help thinking this could happen,” he said.
When the Kano State Police PRO, ASP Musa Majiya was contacted, he confirmed that it was true but that there was no confirmation of the casualty figure yet.
“Yes, it is true. We are at the scene now and we are rescuing people. When we are through, we will talk to the press,” he said.