GWOZA, Nigeria (Media Talk Africa) — Eighteen people were killed on Saturday in Gwoza, Borno State, when four suicide bombers detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs), according to the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

The attack, one of the deadliest in recent months in the state, left more than 30 people injured, with injuries ranging from abdominal ruptures to skull and limb fractures.

SEMA Director-General Barkindo Saidu reported witnessing the first blast.

“In my presence, at about 3pm, the first bomb blast in Gwoza occurred, detonated by a female suicide bomber in the midst of the marriage ceremony celebration,” Saidu wrote in a situation report. “It affected more than 30 persons with various levels of injuries and instant death. Some minutes later, another blast occurred around General Hospital.”

The wedding took place at Tashan Mararaba near the Fire Service in Gwoza town. A survivor recounted that the first bomber, carrying a baby on her back, stormed the venue and detonated the IED.

As mourners gathered to bury those killed at the wedding, Saidu said a third bomber, also a female, detonated another IED, resulting in numerous casualties. During the rescue mission at the hospital, a fourth blast was set off by a female teenager.

“So far, 18 deaths comprise children, adult males, females, and pregnant women. Nineteen seriously injured were conveyed to Maiduguri in four ambulances,” Saidu reported. At the time of his report, 23 injured individuals were waiting for military escort at the Medical Regimental Services (MRS) Clinic.

The evacuation of the injured continued into the night, with the SEMA DG, who was in Gwoza at the time of the attacks, coordinating the process. Saidu also mentioned receiving a report of a suspected suicide bomber in Pulka but did not provide further details.

In response to the attacks, the military has imposed a curfew in Gwoza LGA.