By Dipo Olowookere
An explosion believed to be from a detonated bomb has occurred in a cattle market in Taraba State, Channels Television has reported.
The media platform said the incident was confirmed in a telephone interview by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for Taraba State Police Command, Mr Abdullahi Usman.
At least three persons were said to have lost their lives to the explosion, which precisely took place at Iware community, a suburb of Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State. At least, 19 people were injured and are being treated at health facilities in the area.
Quoting an eyewitness identified as Mr Sunday Pantuvo, Channels TV said the alleged bomber came to the drinking joint with a friend as a customer, ordered a drink and left in separate ways.
The eyewitness, who suffered an injury from the explosion, claimed that the suspected bomber later returned, paid for the drink and dropped a polythene bag which is said to contain the explosive and stepped aside.
A few minutes later, he said he was going in search of his friend and seconds after the bomb exploded. He stated that one of the suspected bombers was later caught and killed by the angry residents who cut his body into parts in anger.
The cattle market in Iware is well-known and attracts buyers every Tuesday from all over Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon because they get the cattle at cheaper prices.
Meanwhile, the police spokesman said security operatives have been drafted to the scene to commence an investigation as well as douse the tension already created.