2nd LD Writethru: 19 killed in suicide attack on Nigeria bus station

At least 19 people were killed in a suicide attack on a bus station in Biu town of Nigeria's northeastern state of Borno on Thursday, a military source said.

Two male suicide bombers carried out the attack at Tashan Gandu motor park in Biu town, located 187 km to Maiduguri, capital of the northern state, according to the security source who pleaded for anonymity.

One of the suicide bombers successfully detonated his bomb, the source said, adding the other suicide bomber failed in his target as an angry mob pounced on him and lynched him before the arrival of security operatives.

"The rescue officials are still doing rescue work and the area has been cordoned off by our men (soldiers)," the source added.

Thursday's attack is the third to be carried out in the last two weeks by suspected Boko Haram fighters in Biu, a major commercial hub in Borno State. The previous two attacks were respectively carried out in a big market and a military base in the area.

Two days ago, at least 26 people were killed in separate suicide attacks on two bus stations in different parts of northern Nigeria.

Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan blamed the Tuesday attacks on Boko Haram, as the group continues to push for an Islamic state. Endi