by Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria

At least eight people were killed and 14 others were injured after a suicide bomb attack at a cattle market near Nigeria's Borno state capital Maiduguri, hours after a dozen victims died in a similar blast in the same region.

"I can confirm eight dead and 14 injured," Mukhtari Ahmadu, a member of a local vigilante group, told Anadolu Agency by phone. "A suicide bomber this afternoon attacked Gamboru (Moru Moru) market near Maiduguri and blew himself up." 

"Casualties could rise because some of those injured are in critical condition and have been rushed to the hospital," Ahmadu added. 

The blast came less than 24 hours after a suicide attacker struck inside a mosque within a popular market in Maiduguri, killing at least 12 people.

Earlier on Saturday, at least 16 people died in a similar attack blamed on Boko Haram.