Security is being heightened in northern Cameroon following Wednesdays double suicide bombing attack, carried out by two female suicide bombers, that left dozens dead.

Governor Midjiyawa Bakari of Cameroon’s Far North region, said he has asked the military to be more vigilant and vigorous while checking travelers and their goods, adding that all suspected markets, shops, bars and popular spots have been sealed. He said he has also received instructions from Cameroon President Paul Biya to seal parts of Cameroon’s borders with Nigeria suspected to be used by Boko Haram suicide bombers and fighters.

Less than two weeks ago, Midjiyawa Bakari banned women from wearing burka veils after female suicide bombers used them to conceal explosives in Fotokol, on Cameroon’s border with Nigeria’s Borno state, a former stronghold of the Boko Haram insurgent group.

Wednesday’s attack was also carried out by female suicide bombers, one disguised as a merchant and the other, a nine-year-old girl disguised as a beggar.

Bakari said they still found several wounded persons in the market Thursday morning.

He said victims with fractures and amputated body parts have been taken to several hospitals and he has asked all doctors and medical staff under his administrative area to attend to the victims and stay at their job sites. He said he has instructed all competent services to provide the necessary logistics for the wounded.

Early this year, the Nigerian-based Boko Haram announced its allegiance to the radical Islamic state group. The attack in Maroua is the fourth in two weeks after Fotokol.
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