9 children killed, 60 injured as Boko Haram terrorists fire missiles into Maiduguri

No less than 10 persons have now been confirmed killed after Boko Haram terrorists launched rocket bombs into Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Sources say nine of those killed in Tuesday evening’s explosions were young boys who were playing football outdoors. Videos shared online showed apprehensive residents running helter-skelter as sounds of gunshots rend the air.

Borno governor Babagana Zulum confirmed the attack, adding that it was a “new” form of offensive from the Islamist terror group which the Nigerian government claimed to have “technically defeated”.

The military had, in a shared text message, claimed to have repelled Tuesday’s attack, while announcing five deaths, Premium Times reported.

But Zulum said hospital authorities confirmed 10 people killed and 60 others injured. There are fears the toll could rise.

“We have been informed that about 10 persons were killed and 60 were injured,” he said.

“This is a new form of attack, totally different from the usual suicide bombing.

“It is worrisome and there is an urgent need to strategise to forestall further occurrence,” the governor said.

While going round the hospitals where the injured were being treated, Zulum assured the scarred survivors that the government would provide care for them.