The explosion which occurred last Thursday evening in the Idoji area of Okene Local Government Council of Kogi State was orchestrated by Islamic State-backed faction of the Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), formerly known as Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād
The terrorist group reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack just like they had also claimed responsibility for the explosion in Kabba, Kogi West Senatorial District.
The explosion in Okene was coming few days after a similar explosion occurred in a beer parlour in Kabba, Kogi West, where 11 persons were injured.
The Kogi Central explosion happened when some people, including masquerades, gathered to celebrate the annual Eche’ane festival in Okene.
The deafening sound of the explosion affected many residents of the area.
A victim whose name and address were yet to be identified lost both legs, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
The source added that one of the victims of the explosion died on the way to Okengwe General Hospital where the victims were taken to, for medical treatment.
ISWAP in a statement during the weekend said the attack was carried out by “soldiers of the caliphate.”
The group said 20 persons were injured while a woman, her child and others were burnt in the explosion.
