The explosion was caused by a bomb that was detonated at the Mammy market near a barracks where people gathered to celebrate New Year's Eve. The attack took place after Nigerian police detained 92 suspect members of the Boko Haram group.Boko Haram was behind the three attacks in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno state, in which at least 16 people were killed this week. However, Friday’s explosion has not been claimed by the Boko Haram group.
Police cordoned off the market area which is a place in which military officers and civilians gather in large crowds to eat and drink beer. The blast took place near the Sani Abacha barracks located near the presidential palace and allegedly the most secure area in the country.
Nigeria has been marred by violent acts that began in Jos, Plateau State, when Muslims and Christians have clashed in the last weeks. At least 86 people have been killed in the fatal attacks at churches which began after a bombing on Christmas Eve which were claimed by Boko Haram.
On Thursday, seven people were killed and eight injured after the radical Islamic group Boko Haram attacked a police vehicle in Maiduguri, according to the Champion newspaper. The vehicle was burned at a bus stop in the Dala area.
The Muslim group also caused the death of three people last Tuesday. The victims, including a senior police officer, were killed as Boko Haram militants shot a teaching hospital. The Islamic group is opposed to "western education."
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