By Olusegun Adeosun
A failed suicide bombing attempt has led to the death of the attackers in Shuwa village, Madagali, Adamawa State.
The two suspected suicide bombers died after the bomb exploded unexpectedly.
According to the Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, ADSEMA, the suspected bombers who were three in number had targeted St. Pious Catholic Church in Shuwa, Madagali .
According to Dr. Muhammed Suleiman, Executive Secretary , ADSEMA, the three suspected bombers had targeted the Seminary Church in Gulak for attack, but the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on them exploded midway killing two, while the third ran into the bush.
“We received a report that three suspected Boko Haram members targeted Seminary Church in Gulak for attack around 8:30 a.m., on Sunday. “Two of them detonated their IEDs and turned into pieces while the third one ran into the bush,” Sulaiman said.
He said their remains had been buried. He said no other person was killed or injured during the attack adding that only a small girl was hit by the debris and she is still alive.
Papka Medugu, a parishioner who witnessed the incident, said suspected Boko Haram members “targeted our church while the morning mass was going on, but to God’s glory they both exploded before they could access the church”.
“Vigilant Catholic cadet boys on patrol around the church vicinity prevented the bombers from gaining entry into the church, thereby forcing the explosives to detonate before getting to their target,” the eyewitness said, just as he confirmed that only the two bombers were killed in the incident.
Shuwa village, which is about 30 minutes drive to the Sambisa stronghold of the outlawed Boko Haram sect, has witnessed series of Boko Haram incursions in recent times.
Meanwhile, SP Othman Abubakar, spokesperson, of the state Police Command has confirmed the attack.