Nigeria: Suicide attacks kill dozens in Madagali

Two schoolgirl suicide bombers killed 45 people and wounded dozens in a coordinated attack on a crowded market in the northeastern Nigerian town of Madagali, an army spokesman said.

"From our updated records we have 45 dead and 33 injured in the twin suicide bomb explosions in Madagali," said Sa'ad Bello of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Adamawa state.

Friday's attack on Madagali, which was recaptured by Nigerian forces from Boko Haram fighters in 2015, was carried out by two female school children, according to officials.

Ahmadu Gulak, a driver who was buying tea at the market, said the two blasts struck simultaneously on Friday morning at opposite ends of a grains and vegetable market. He saw many wounded taken to a nearby hospital by ambulance.

"The two bombers were disguised as customers, detonated their suicide belts at the section of the market selling grains and second-hand clothing," said Yusuf Muhammad, the chairman of Madagali local government.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but the blasts bore all the hallmarks of Boko Haram, which has carried out numerous suicide attacks in its seven-year campaign against the Nigerian government in the troubled region.