UPDATE: Suicide Bomber Blows Up Himself Killing 21 During Muslim Procession in Kano

A suicide bomber killed scores in Kano as members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria were on a symbolic procession from Kano to Zaria on Friday.

 

At least 21 people were killed today, November 27, in a suicide bomb attack on a Shiite Muslim procession in the city of Kano. 

 

Muhammad Turi, from the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, told reporters at the scene. "We lost 21 people and several others have been injured," 

 

The attack happened in the village of Dakasoye, some 20 kilometres south of the city during a march by followers of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria.

 

The group, led by Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, said on its website the blast happened at 2:00 pm and that “scores” had been killed. 

 

There are still no official indication of casualties and one of the organisers told AFP: “It’s a huge crowd so it’s too early to give a precise figure of casualties. We now have the other suspect in custody.”

 

The organiser, who asked to remain anonymous, said the bomber ran into the crowd before he could be spotted and detonated his explosives.

“He was dressed in black like everyone else. His accomplice was initially arrested and confessed they were sent by Boko Haram,” he added.

 

“They were part of the young men abducted by Boko Haram in (the Borno state town of) Mubi last year and taken to Sambisa Forest where they were given some military training. They were sent to Kano 11 days ago and kept in a house specifically for this attack.”

 

The bomber detonated his explosives after realising his accomplice had been arrested, the organiser added. The followers were on a “symbolic trek” from Kano to Zaria, in neighbouring Kaduna state, where Zakzaky is based, to mark the 40th day of Ashura.