Multiple suicide bombers have struck the northeast Nigerian city of Maiduguri killing at least 19 people, according to police officials.
An official from the Civilian Joint Task force confirmed the death toll, adding that more than 70 others were also injured by the blast. Victims of the suicide bombing were transferred to hospitals in Konduga and Maiduguri.
Borno state police chief said the attack took place approximately 8:00 p.m. at a fish market about 20 kilometers from the center of the city, in Konduga. “The three suicide bombers were killed and 19 other persons died,” Commissioner Damian Chukwu said.
The region is one of Boko Haram preferred locations to launch attacks. However, the incident is yet to be claimed by any group.
Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari vowed to defeat the extremist group when he took office in 2015. In 2016, the Armed Forces of Nigeria reportedly regained control of several territories which were being run by Boko Haram.
But, Boko Haram retaliated and has continued to carry out routine attacks in that region of the African nation.
According to authorities the militant group has killed more than 20,000 people since 2009 and forced over two million to flee their homes.