21 Killed as Boko Haram Suicide Bomber Blows up World Cup Screening Venue

In another grisly attack, a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber blew up a World Cup screening venue in northern Nigeria, killing at least 21 people who were watching the match between Brazil and Mexico.

Nigerian new source Business Day, based on eyewitness accounts, reported that the bomb was hidden in a three-wheel motorized rickshaw outside the screening venue, where the residents of Nayi-Nama area in Damatru had gathered to watch Brazil take on Mexico.

It has been reported that among the ones killed, there were children as young as 11. Over a dozen were injured in the blast that destroyed the viewing center and other nearby buildings.

While Boko Haram is yet to publicly take responsibility for the bombing, it is strongly believed that Tuesday's blast was the handy work of the Islamic group as it had attacked venues showing football matches previously as well.

Boko Haram, which kidnapped more than 200 Chibok schoolgirls back in April - gaining international condemnation, has been waging a reign of terror in Nigeria for the last five years. Thousands of innocent civilians lost their lives in bombings and raids across the country.

The blast happened around 7.15pm GMT, 15 minutes after the match kicked off in Fortaleza. It was the latest in a series of attacks that has targeted football viewing centers in Nigeria.

Boko Haram has been held responsible for attacking schools teaching "Western" curriculum, and Christian churches. The group's leader Abubakar Shekau has condemned watching or playing football on several occasions as the group wants to impose strict Islamic laws in Nigeria.

Shekau had reportedly forbid people, via video releases, from watching football. According to Boko Haram, football and music are Western ploys to distract Muslims from practicing true Islam.

Boko Haram gunmen had stormed a packed venue in Potiskum, Yobe State, back in April, shooting randomly at people watching the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. Two were killed in the attack while several were injured.

Football is Nigeria's national sport but owing to Boko Haram threats, the game's following has reportedly dampened this year. Several football viewing centers in the country have been shut for the fear of Boko Haram.

The Nigerian authorities, since the start of FIFA World Cup 1014, had issued warnings to the general public to stay away from screening centers as these places are soft targets for terrorist groups. 

The Nigeria national team, nicknamed the Super Eagles, is participating in the World Cup in Brazil. Following the news of the blast, they held a minute's silence before starting their practise sessions on Wednesday, to pay tribute to the dead.