Death toll rises to 6 as ISWAP claims responsibility for Taraba bomb blast

Jihadists affiliated to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have claimed responsibility for the bomb explosion that rocked a drinking bar in Mashaya market, Iware Community located in Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State

So far, six persons have been confirmed dead with an unspecified number injured.

In a statement released in Arabic on Wednesday, ISWAP said it had detonated the bomb, “killing and wounding nearly 30 Christians and damaging the bar.”

The statement, translated by SITE Intelligence which monitors jihadist activities worldwide, said the attack was “revenge” for the death of two of the group’s leaders, without giving further details.

READ ALSO: Angry residents cut suspect in Taraba bomb blast to death

Meanwhile, an anti-bomb squad of the Nigeria Police Force are on ground combing the area for a possible bomb detonation.

The blast occurred in a crowded open-air moonshine bar in the town of Iware.

Taraba State has not experienced any jihadist attacks since 2014.

However, the state is a hotspot for kidnappings for ransom by criminal gangs, known locally as bandits.

There has been growing concern about increasing ties between jihadists and bandits who are motivated by financial motives with no ideological leaning.

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