YOBE, Nigeria - Dozens of traders were feared killed on Sunday night when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off in Potiskum town located in Nigeria's northeastern state of Yobe, according to local security sources.

Spokesperson of the military Joint Task Force (JTF) Lt. Eli Lazarus confirmed the explosion to Xinhua, but could not give further details on the incident.

"Detailed report is still being awaited from our officers in the field," he said.

However, other security sources in the state said the explosion occurred at a busy market in Potiskum, therefore dozens of traders and other people might have been killed in the attack.

"It's the market day and the whole place was crowded," added a local security source who preferred anonymity.

Potiskum has recently come under serious attacks by gunmen and bombers. At least 13 people had been killed in the various violent attacks carried out within three days in the restive town in northeastern Yobe state, military authorities told Xinhua on Sunday.