Categories

AOAV: all our reportsBoko HaramExplosive violence in Nigeria

Nigeria school suicide blast kills dozens

At least 48 children have died at a school assembly at the hands of a suicide bomber in the north-eastern Nigerian town of Potiskum, police have reported.

The suicide bomber dressed himself as a student to get access to the boys’ school in Yobe state .

Reports have claimed that the militant group Boko Haram carried out the attack. They have targeted schools before during their deadly insurgency aimed at establishing an Islamic state. It believes girls should not attend school and boys should only receive an Islamic education.

Police spokesman Emmanuel Ojukwu told the BBC Hausa service the attack had left 47 people dead, including the suicide bomber. Another 79 were wounded.

AOAV condemns the use of suicide bombs to further political ends.  Our report on Armed Violence in Nigeria outlines the impact of Boko Haram and other groups on Nigeria’s citizens.