JTF uncovers undetonated bomb in Kano

Joint Military Task Force on Monday uncovered a large undetonated bomb in an abandoned vehicle close to a JTF checkpoint in Kano on Monday.
This came just as suspected Boko Haram members killed a policeman, a civilian and a local politician in coordinated attacks in Dikwa, Borno State.
Gunmen also shot dead a seven-year-old girl during a failed attempt to kill her policeman father hours after group members killed three in a separate raid in Yobe State late on Sunday.
Military spokesman, Lt. Ikedichi Iweha, told our correspondent on the telephone that the bomb found in Kano was defused, saying “there were no casualties while the process lasted”.
He said, “The affected area of the city was cordoned off and the bomb was defused.
“It was clear that the IED (Improvised Explosive Device) has a timer and those behind it are closer too and watching over it and ready to let go soon as the target come close to it.”
Eyewitnesses said the vehicle parked on the spot for hours without anybody inside it was noticed at about 10.30am when people started arriving in the area for their daily business.
Following this development, the JTF was notified and they quickly rushed to the scene. On searching, they discovered that the vehicle was loaded with explosives.
Reports also said unknown gunmen shot and killed a well-known chemical merchant in Shagari Quarters of Kano at about 10am on Monday.
JTF spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa, confirmed the killing of three persons in Dikwa, on Monday to AFP.
In a text message to AFP, he said a policeman, a civilian and a local politician were killed in the coordinated attacks.
“Between 01.35 to 02.45 hours on Monday, suspected Boko Haram terrorists attacked and burnt Dikwa police station, Unity Bank, Freedom Hotel and attempted to burn Dikwa Local Government secretariat,” he said.
Musa said items recovered included an unregistered Isuzu pick up van, a pump action gun, an AK47 rifle, a double barrel gun, a box loaded with assorted ammunition, 19 empty magazine of AK47 rifle, a bullet proof jacket, a crash helmet and a DVD player. On his part, Yobe State police spokesman, Toyin Gbadigisin, confirmed the killing of the seven-year-old girl.
He said, “They fired shots at him (father) while sitting in the midst of his family. He managed to avoid the bullets and scaled over the fence.
“The gunmen shot dead his seven-year-old-daughter and seriously injured another 12-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old-son who are now in hospital.”