Suspected Boko Haram gunmen have killed seven people at the popular Maiduguri Monday market on Wednesday, police and eye witnesses said.
According to reports, the armed insurgents stormed the market, one of the largest in the northeastern state, at about 2 p.m. and targeted an area of the market where southern traders operate.
Witnesses to the attack say the gunmen first shot and killed an electronic salesman before targeting other Igbo traders, the AP reported.
“They opened fire on some shops selling insecticides and mosquito nets, killing seven traders,” he said, adding that no arrests had been made,” state police commissioner Bala Hassan said.
“The shooting caused confusion in the market, which gave the attackers the chance to escape unnoticed before the arrival of security personnel,” he said.
Guard soldiers in the area opened fire, shooting in the air, in order to disperse civilians, but they were unable to stop the assailants from escaping.
Samuel Tizhe, state police spokesman also confirmed the attacks, adding that “three other civilians also sustained injury during the attack at Monday Market”.
He added that calm has been restored to the area and said authorities “have reinforced security in and around the state”.
Authorities said weapons were recovered following the attack and said the area has been cordoned off while police conduct a thorough search of the area.
No arrests have been made yet, but security officials have assured investigations are ongoing.
