According to a statement by the spokesman for the Borno State Police Command, Victor Isuku, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, two female suicide attackers strapped with explosives launched the attack on the main market in the town, the third largest in Borno State, the birth place of Boko Haram.

The statement read, "Today 4/12/2017 at about 1140hrs, two female suicide bombers infiltrated and gained entry into Biu town in Biu Local Government Area. So far, a total of 13 persons excluding the two suicide bombers, have been confirmed killed in the two explosions