Yobe explosions: Death toll rises as Gov. Gaidam mourns victims

Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State has expressed his deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of victims of the suicide bomb attacks in Damaturu on Wednesday.

The death toll in the explosions was initially 16.

But it rose to 17 later on Wednesday.

The number of injured was put at 11.

While praying for the repose of the souls of those killed, Gaidam ordered immediate and free medical care for those who sustained injuries in the attacks.

Already, treatment has commenced for injured victims at the Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, while three of the 11 injured victims have been referred to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Dala, Kano for further medical care at government’s expense.

A statement by the state government said Gaidam described the attacks as cowardly and barbaric.

It added: “The Governor remains confident that despite these barbaric and unjustified suicide attacks, the Boko Haram insurgency will come to an end soon in view of the all-hands-on-deck approach adopted by the Federal Government.

“The Governor commends security agents on the ground in Yobe State for their effort in the general security improvement in the State. He urges them, however, to step up surveillance effort to prevent insurgents and criminals from conducting further attacks.

“His Excellency Governor Gaidam also urges Yobe residents not to relent in their exemplary support to and cooperation with security agents and calls on them to continue to pray to Almighty Allah (SWT) for the full restoration of peace and security.”