Abuja, July 23 (RHC)-- At least 40 people have been feared dead in multiple bomb explosions in northeast Nigeria, local sources say. The first bomb was detonated on Wednesday evening close to the Dadin Kowa motor park, in the northeastern city of Gombe and the second one went off some 20 minutes later near the first site, AFP reported, citing local authorities and residents as saying.

"So far we have recovered 12 dead bodies from the blast scene. The bodies are badly mutilated and we have several people injured," said one rescue worker at the first site, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding that their main goal was to save more lives.

Fwaje Attajiri, the Gombe state police spokesperson, confirmed the blast, yet did not provide a precise death toll.

The third and forth blasts occurred in and near Dukku bus station, almost an hour after the first two.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks but they bear the hallmark of Boko Haram Takfiri militants.