Nigeria: fatal bombing at cash machine

At least 7 people died when a bomb exploded near a cash point in the town of Azare in Bauchi state, northern Nigeria, on Friday.

It is reported the bomber targeted dozens of people who were queuing at a branch of First Bank around 10:30am (0930 GMT).

An eyewitness told DW that people were lining up to withdraw their salaries and that many sustained serious injuries in the explosion.

The bomber is reported to have attempted to leave a black plastic bag on a parked motorcycle near the ATM, but was stopped by locals before he could escape the scene.

The bomb is believed to have detonated while residents told the suspect he could not leave unaccompanied parcels as it was prohibited following recent unrest in the area.

"A man came on foot to this ATM where a large crowd was taking turns to withdraw money," said Azare resident, Lamara Ibrahim. "It was while they were talking to him that the bomb exploded. I saw at least 10 people that looked dead," he continued.

Ishola Micheal, a spokesman for Bauchi state's Governor Isha Yuguda, said he was aware of an incident in Azare, but declined to make any further comment.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Campaign of terror in northern Nigeria

In late October at least five people died in a bomb blast at a bus station in Azare, close to the scene of Friday's cash point attack.

The Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, was suspected of being behind the explosion.

Bauchi borders Yobe state, one of three northeastern regions targeted in a five-year campaign of violence waged by the extremist organisation.

The area has been attacked repeatedly throughout the uprising, which is estimated to have killed more than 10,000 people.

lw/pfd (dpa, AFP)