Boko Haram:

Maroua in shock, fear as Boko Haram strikes again!
A suicide bomb blast has killed 18 people in the pont verre quarters in Maroua. The kamikaze attack occurred at about 8pm on Saturday night, the state broadcaster CRTV reported in its evening edition.
    Even though the report did not give details of the destruction caused and the casualties recorded, Communication minister Issa Tchiroma confirmed the report on Sunday morning. He said 14 people were killed and over 20 others wounded in the explosion that occurred when a suicide bomber- a young girl aged between 12 and 13 years detonated a bomb between two bars in the Pont Vers neighbourhood in Maroua centre. 
    The new attack occurred even as security measures have intensified inside the town and all over the country. It happened barely three days after two suicide bombers exploded themselves around the Maroua Central Market and the Barmare neighbourhood respectively, on Wednesday, killing 14 people and severely wounding over 40 others.
    A resident of Maroua whom we called said the explosion occurred some about 200 metres from where he was standing with some friends. He said they fled to their various homes as soon as they heard the very loud sound of the explosion.
    “I cannot say exactly how it happened; it was after nightfall and I was afraid to go towards the scene to get information. You can only call back tomorrow if you need more information,” said our interlocutor, who said he was already contemplating leaving Maroua with his family to the south of the country.
   
    It should be recalled that only a forth night ago, another suicide attack in Fotokol, also in the Far North region, killed 13 persons including the two suicide bombers.
    The serial Boko Haram Kamikaze attacks in Cameroon are occurring as Yaounde authorities have announced a visit of the Nigerian head of state to Yaounde later this week. Reports say Boko Haram have also multiplied suicide bombings in Nigeria.
    Nigeria’s President Mohamadou Buhari and his Cameroonian counterpart are expected to brainstorm and decide on concrete measures that must be taken jointly and/or severally by their two countries to curb the horrible and dreaded terrorist activities of Boko Haram.
    Meanwhile, authorities here have already intensified security measures throughout the country. Transport vehicles and passengers are thoroughly searched and strategic places tightly guarded.
    Sensitization campaigns are also being intensified among the populations on the need to report suspects to the authorities.
Communication minister said President Paul Biya has addressed his condolences to the families of victims. The President also called for calm and vigilance, advicsing citizens not to be overwhelmed with fear.