• News
  • Sport
  • TV
  • Radio
  • Education
  • TV Licences
  • Contact Us

For all official information and updates regarding COVID-19, visit the South African Department of Health's website at www.sacoronavirus.co.za

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • SCI-TECH
  • LIFESTYLE
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION
Home Africa

Islamic State claims Nigeria bombing, says about 30 killed or hurt

21 April 2022, 12:05 PM  |
Reuters Reuters |  @SABCNews
A policeman keeps watch on the road leading to Taraba state electoral commission [File image]

A policeman keeps watch on the road leading to Taraba state electoral commission [File image]

Image: Reuters

A policeman keeps watch on the road leading to Taraba state electoral commission [File image]

Islamic State claimed responsibility for an explosion that it said killed or injured 30 people at a market where alcohol was sold in Taraba State, Nigeria, marking an expansion of the area where the extremist group operates in the country.

Northeast Nigeria, especially the states of Borno and Yobe, have been in the grip of insurgencies for over a decade, but Taraba, located at the eastern end of Nigeria’s Middle Belt central region, has not previously been attacked.

The explosion took place on Tuesday in Iware, a rural town, and local police initially said three people were killed and 19 injured. They could not immediately be reached on Thursday to comment on the Islamic State claim or casualty count.

In a statement posted late on Wednesday on a Telegram messaging channel used by Islamic State to distribute its propaganda, the group 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 whole of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, has been suffering from a rise in crime and violence, exacerbated by the economic hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Armed robberies are rife everywhere, kidnappings for ransom have become increasingly common, and the northwest has been hit by mass abductions of children from schools as well as indiscriminate attacks on towns and village by armed gangs.

The worst and longest-running crisis, however, is in the northeast, where rival Islamist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP) have killed, abducted and looted on a massive scale whilst fighting against the Nigerian military.

In the latest attack, on the town of Geidam in Yobe State, Boko Haram fighters came in the early hours of Thursday and burnt down a school and several private buildings, according to two residents and two security sources.

The residents said a local drinking spot selling beer had been attacked. One said he had seen nine dead bodies, while the other said he had seen several dead including two women. The authorities were yet to release a death toll.

Share article
Tags: Islamic StateNigeriaBombingTaraba State
Previous Post

KwaZulu-Natal government organises a day of prayer following heavy floods

Next Post

Sundowns need to score one goal without conceding to advance to CAF Champions League semi-finals

Related Posts

Civil society members hold banners during an anti-Rwanda protest, amid tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali over Rwanda's suspected backing of the M23 rebel group, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo June 25, 2022.

Scary times for Rwandans in Congo as rebel attacks ignite tensions

29 June 2022, 12:36 PM
[File image]

Spain begins natural gas exports to Morocco following diplomatic row

29 June 2022, 10:15 AM
Chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Faki presided over the proceedings of the opening ceremony of the PAP Ordinary Session in Midrand.

PAP expected to elect new leadership following a stern reprimand from AU Chair

29 June 2022, 7:03 AM
Swearing in ceremony of new Pan African Parliament members in Midrand, Johannesburg on 28 June 2022.

Pan African Parliament must clean up its battered image: Faki Mahamat

28 June 2022, 9:45 PM
Employees examine avocados at the Kakuzi pack house in Makuyu, Kenya, May 11, 2022.

Africa’s dream of feeding China hits hard reality

28 June 2022, 5:33 PM
Demand for avocados in Europe and Asia has seen a rise in the number of Kenyan farmers and exporters.

Kenya is Africa’s top exporter of avocados, surpassing South Africa

28 June 2022, 12:26 PM
Next Post
Mamelodi Sundowns players at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.

Sundowns need to score one goal without conceding to advance to CAF Champions League semi-finals

Most Viewed

  • 24hrs
  • Week
  • Month
  • EMS says fire at Bree Street Taxi Rank in Johannesburg has been extinguished
  • The public has until 18 May to make submissions on Icasa’s regulations for extension of expiry period for data, airtime
  • ANC NEC expected to hold a special meeting on Sunday
  • Eastern Cape flood victims plead for support as access to food, services remains difficult
  • Amathole Regional Secretary elated to have corruption charges against him dropped
  • East London police search for clues that led to tavern death; calls to revoke tavern’s licence 
  • UPDATE: At least 17 people killed in an East London tavern stampede
  • South Africans no longer required to wear face masks indoors
  • E Cape Liquor Board says Enyobeni tavern owner will face criminal charges
  • Zulu Royal Palace abuzz as King Misuzulu’s cleansing ceremony continues
  • East London police search for clues that led to tavern death; calls to revoke tavern’s licence 
  • UPDATE: At least 17 people killed in an East London tavern stampede
  • Mosimane alleges sabotage from CAF President Patrice Motsepe
  • SANTACO and NTA calls on COSATU to join the national shutdown over the hiking fuel prices
  • NTA yet to decide whether to support calls for national shutdown amid fuel price hikes

LATEST

The Eskom Megawatt Park in Sandton.
  • Politics

UDM calls for ‘urgent debate of national importance’ into the impact of rolling blackouts


A weekly look at tech innovations and its impact.
  • Sci-tech
  • Features

FEATURE: Tools to help help you work remotely during rolling blackouts


A rugby player in action.
  • Sport
  • Rugby

All systems go for 2nd edition of the Carling Championship at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium


NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg addresses a news conference.
  • World
  • Russia, Ukraine conflict

NATO members agree Russian Federation is the ‘most significant and direct threat’ to their security


The offices of the National Prosecuting Authority.
  • Politics

NPA to prosecute Gauteng legislature deputy speaker Vuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela for assault


Minister Bheki Cele engages with members of the police at the Enyobeni Tavern in East London.
  • South Africa

Candlelight ceremonies held in honour of deceased tavern patrons


Weather

  • About the SABC
  • Contact Us
  • Jobs
  • Advertise
  • Disclaimer
  • Site Map

SABC © 2022

No Result
View All Result
  • SOUTH AFRICA
  • POLITICS
  • BUSINESS
  • SPORT
  • AFRICA
  • WORLD
  • SCI-TECH
  • LIFESTYLE
  • FEATURES
  • OPINION

© 2022

Previous KwaZulu-Natal government organises a day of prayer following heavy floods
Next Sundowns need to score one goal without conceding to advance to CAF Champions League semi-finals