Suspected Boko Haram suicide bombers have attacked a popular night market in Kasuwan Kifi village, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing 21 persons and injuring 20 others.

The multiple blasts happened a little over a week after Abubakar Shekau, factional leader of Boko Haram, issued a chilling call to his fighters to “shoot, kill and capture infidels” in Lagos, Abuja and “wherever they are in Nigeria and parts of Africa”.

Damian Chukwu, the Born State Police Commissioner, confirmed the attack to journalists on Saturday, saying the attackers infiltrated the market and successfully mixed up with young men playing snookers and traders frying bean cake.

He said it took place on Friday night, adding that the Police had made efforts in the past to decongest the market.

“There were many people there frying bean cake, yams and other consumables. There were also young men playing snookers there,” Chukwu said.

“The bombers detonated explosives at about 8pm yesterday (Friday night), killing themselves and 18 others. Twenty others were also injured.”

“Those injured have been evacuated and rushed to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for treatment,” he said, adding that the police explosive ordinance department had declared the scene safe.

The Nigerian Army insists that Boko Haram has been largely defeated except for pockets of fighters who disguise themselves and infiltrate into the society in order to cause havoc.

Even Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the terrorist group is said to be on the run, disguised like a woman. A N3 million bounty has been promised anybody who may have information that could lead to his capture.