Residents say an explosion kills many at a crowded market in Biu town in northeast Nigeria

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Residents say an explosion has rocked a crowded market, killing and injuring many in Biu town in northeast Nigeria.

A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force in the area said Thursday that this is the first bombing in the area. He said they could not yet confirm if it was a suicide attack or a planted bomb.

The witness spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not permitted to speak to the press. He said they are evacuating a high number of dead and injured, but he could not yet give an accurate figure. He said that Nigerian militant group Boko Haram is suspected in the bombing, but he couldn't be certain.

The Civilian Joint Task Force is a group formed by residents to combat Boko Haram.