By NDAHI MARAMA, Damaturu
Barely one month after the Shehu of Borno and the Deputy Governor of the state narrowly escaped death by a suicide bomber at the Maiduguri central Mosque, the Emir of Fika and Chairman, Yobe state Council of Chiefs, Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa narrowly escaped death yesterday when a suicide bomber detonated an explosive material while the Royal Father was coming out from Mosque after Friday prayers.

An eye witness who gave his name as Salisu Musa  said “during our Friday prayer at the Central Mosque located in front of the Emir’s Palace here in Potiskum town, an unknown person was initially sighted sitting among the Emir’s entourage and he was asked to leave the place.  So, immediately after the prayer, the same person was sighted rushing towards the Emir but the Emir’s Police orderly quickly pushed the man and the Bomb exploded pulling the Police’s arm and injuring dozens of people’.

A visit to the scene of the incidence shows the corpse of the suicide bomber torn into two; his waist and chest were divided. He was wearing a yellow gown with a cap and  a pair of sandals .

Sympathizers and worshipers at the scene were asked to leave the place to allow security operatives made up of Police and Army to do their work but the mob refused to leave which led to a peaceful protest against a military personnel who shot his gun into the air to scare the angry mob.  Some elders of the Emirate Council had to intervene to calm the situation. The victims were all rushed to  the emergency unit of General Hospital, Potiskum for treatment. About 15 people were seen being dressed while others went home with minor injuries to treat themselves.

Tension has risen in Potiskum town over the incidence. Adamu Abdullahi a Muslim Cleric condemned the attack saying  “it is very unfortunate for a suicide bomber to attack Muslims on a worship ground in the month of Ramadan, this is a devilish act and God will punish the perpetrators of this evil act”.

Security has been intensified in the town with thorough checking at military road blocks and one of the major roads passing in front of the Divisional Police Office was blocked to avoid further attack on the Police, a Police source revealed.

By the time of filing this report, when contacted on phone to speak on the incidence, Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Toyin Gbagadesin said “the Police Commissioner will soon brief the press on the matter.”