A bomb allegedly targeted at members of the Shiite Muslim group, Islamic Brotherhood of Nigeria, has exploded in Potiskum, Yobe state.

Eyewitnesses said that members of the group were on procession in Potiskum metropolis around 11:15 am in observance of the Ashura day when the explosion went off among the worshippers killing scores of those in the procession and the suicide bomber.

Ashura day is the tenth day of the month of Muharram, the new month of the Islamic calendar. Shiite Muslims commemorate the day to mourn the death of Hasain Bn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed who was reportedly killed on that day.

Residents said that several followers of the group, particularly women and children, were killed by the explosion and that security forces have cleared the area to prevent further attacks.

The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Markus Danladi, who confirmed the incident, said that the suicide bomber took advantage of the procession to carry out his dastardly act.

Danladi said casualty figure is yet to be ascertained.

The entire area has been condoned off by security men.