by Isi Esene

Reports of an explosion at a football viewing centre in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State has been confirmed by police authorities.

YNaija broke the news that an explosion rocked the Crossfire venue in the Nayi-Nawa area of Yobe around 8pm reportedly affecting scores of football fans.

Eyewitnesses report that scores of people gathered to watch a World Cup match between host, Brazil and Mexico were affected.

The injured people have been taken to the Sani Abacha Specialist Hospital in Damaturu.

“There was an explosion outside a soccer viewing centre here in Damaturu at around 20:15,” said Sanusi Ruf’ai, police commissioner for Yobe state.

“Our men have deployed to the scene but it’s too early for us to give details.”

Authorities have warned residents in Adamawa and Plateau to avoid public screenings of the World Cup, fearing militant attacks.

At least 2,000 people have died in the north-east since Boko Haram launched an insurgency in 2009.