Boko Claims Suicide Attack On Shiite Procession In Kano

The suicide bomb attack targeted at a Shiite Muslim procession in the village of Dakasoye, near Kano, has been claimed by Boko Haram. A male suicide bomber had attacked the Shiite procession, killing 22 people.
In a statement in Arabic on social media, Boko Haram said its bomber “detonated his explosives which led to the death” of the victims on Friday.

“And by the permission of Allah, these attacks of ours against Shi’a polytheists will continue ‎until we cleanse the earth of their filth”, the terrorist group declared on Saturday.

Earlier reports on Friday said 21 people were killed but the casualty figure rose after one more person was confirmed dead.

One of the organizers of the procession, Ali Kakaki, told the AFP that “For now, we have 22 deaths following the death of one more person yesterday. Thirty-eight people have also been injured, two of whom have been discharged from the hospital”.

Despite the attack, Kakaki said the Shiite Muslims, under the banner of Islamic Movement of Nigeria led by Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky were not demoralized as members have vowed to continue their march from Kano to Zaria, the headquarters of the movement, in neighbouring Kaduna state.

“Following the attack, many more of our members have joined the procession”, Kakaki said, adding that they plan to arrive at their destination next week.

The march is an annual event to commemorate Ashura, the anniversary of the death of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.