Many feared dead in Taraba Cattle Market bomb explosion

A large number of people are feared dead as suspected bomb exploded Tuesday at a drinking joint in the Taraba Cattle Market.

The tragic incident occurred at Iware Town in Ardo Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State.

No fewer than 20 people, including women, were said to have sustained injuries in the incident and were reportedly rushed to Federal Medical Center, Jalingo, Taraba State.

However, the police in Taraba put the fatality figure at three.

The Police Public Relations Officer Abdullahi Usman confirmed the figure to the media.

He noted that this is the second time such explosion is taking place with the first at a catholic school in Mutum Biyu, the headquarters of Gassol Local Government Area, 30 kilometres away from each other a month ago.

Usman added that security operatives have been drafted to the scene to commence investigation as well as douse the tension already created.

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Iware Community is known for its cattle market and attracts buyers from all over Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon who storm the market every Tuesday to make purchases at affordable prices.

An eye witness Sunday Pantuvo, who narrowly escaped with injuries said the alleged bomber came to the drinking joint with a friend as customers, ordered for a drink and left in separate ways.

The alleged bomber later returned, paid for the drink and dropped a polythene bag, said to contain the explosive.

Few minutes later, he said he was going in search of his friend and seconds after the bomb exploded. Pantuvo said one of the suspected bombers was later caught and killed by the angry residents who cut his body into parts in anger.