More Ceasefire Doubts Rise As Bomb Blast Kills 5 In Bauchi

At least five people have been killed in Bauchi state after a bomb exploded at a bus station, Reuters reports, citing Police sources.

“Five persons burned beyond recognition were certified dead, while 12 others sustained various degrees of injuries,” according to a statement by Bauchi police spokesman Haruna Mohammed.

“The entire surrounding (area) has been cordoned off … No arrest has yet been made, but an investigation has commenced,” he said.

The explosion which happened on Wednesday night is the latest of a series of attacks that have occured after the federal government announced it has agreed a ceasefire with the Islamist sect Boko Haram that has been terrorising Nigeria’s North since 2009.

The blast, which wounded 12 people occurred in Azare town has not been claimed by any group, but it is suspected that it may the work of the terror group Boko Haram. Police also declined comment on who was responsible for the attack.

Negotiations were earlier in the week reported to have continued towards seeking an end to the five-year-old insurgency by the Boko Haram. The talks were said to, among other things, border on the release of the over 200 schoolgirls abducted from their school in Chibok on April 14.

While many people have expressed doubts over the genuineness of the announced ceasefire deal, others have said the attacks might have been continued by members of the group who are not in support of the deal. The sect is however yet to confirm the ceasefire deal announced by the Nigerian government.