Five dead in suicide attack at Nigeria’s University of Maiduguri

MAIDUGURI., Nigeria, Jan. 16 (UPI) — Five people were killed, including a professor and two suicide bombers, and 17 others were injured in attacks Monday at Nigeria’s University of Maiduguri in the state of Borno, according to the National Emergency Management Agency.

The agency posted on Twitter that one explosion occurred at a staff mosque and the second was at an entrance gate on the university premises.

Borno police spokesman Victor Isuku said police on patrol shot a girl about age 12 as she tried to get into the university.

“The IED [improvised explosive device] strapped to her body exploded, killing her instantly,” he said in a statement. “Shortly after that a second explosion occurred in a mosque inside the university.

Muslim faithful were gathered for prayers at 6:30 a.m. when a gunman entered the area.

The fatalities included Aliyu Mani, who served as the director of veterinary services.

No one claimed responsibility, but the military previously prevented Boko Haram militants from attacking the university, officials said.

“This is the first time they succeeded in causing serious damage on the university and I believe, this is due to laxity on the part of the security in the university,” one of the lecturers at the university told the Daily Post.

Filibus Yamta Mshelia, from the registrar’s office at the university, said exams scheduled for Monday were postponed.