1st LD: At least 12 killed in NE Nigeria market blast: witnesses

At least 12 lifeless bodies have been found at a local market in Damaturu city of Nigeria's northeastern Yobe State after a loud blast rocked the place on Sunday, witnesses said.

Dozens of people were also injured following the blast which rocked Damaturu Sunday Market at about 9:30 a.m. local time, according to Malik Garba, who assisted injured victims before the arrival of rescue workers.

"We had already evacuated some of the lifeless bodies and injured people from the blast scene before the arrival of emergency workers and security operatives," he said, adding the incident has caused heavy traffic in the commercial town of Damaturu, which is also capital of the restive Yobe State.

No state official has so far commented on the incident at the crowded local market. It is unclear the incident was a suicide attack which is typical of Boko Haram, a terror group waging war against the Africa most populous country since 2009.

A suicide bomber killed three policemen at a checkpoint on the outskirts of Damaturu six days ago.

Boko Haram stepped up its attacks in the northeastern region of Nigeria since May 29, after President Muhammadu Buhari announced the relocation of the military command center to neighboring Borno State in a bid to rout the terror group from its stronghold. Endit