By Andrew Haruna | The Bureau Newspaper
BORNO — At least eight people have been confirmed dead following a deadly explosion believed to have been triggered by Boko Haram insurgents along the Damboa-Maiduguri highway in Borno State.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday and left several others critically injured. Witnesses say the explosive device, suspected to be an improvised explosive device (IED), was planted by the roadside and detonated as unsuspecting commuters travelled through the volatile region.
Eyewitness accounts flooded social media soon after the attack. Facebook user Ibn Maigana, visibly shaken by the tragedy, wrote:
“Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji’un. The road to my hometown, Damboa, has remained one of the most dangerous in Nigeria for years. We’ve lost gallant military officers and civilians alike to these terrorists. Today, eight more innocent lives were lost. May Allah rest their souls.”
On X (formerly Twitter), user @OffucialAzzaki echoed the report, posting:
“A bomb blast has just occurred along Damboa road to Maiduguri. Sadly, 8 lives were lost, and several others have been taken to the hospital with injuries. Please pray for the victims.”
The Borno State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso Kenneth, told The Bureau Newspaper that investigations were ongoing and details would be made public once confirmed.
This latest attack comes amid growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s North-East. Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, recently disclosed that Boko Haram insurgents have effectively taken over three communities—Gudumbali in Guzamala LGA, Marte, and Abadam—where they have replaced government institutions with their own authority.
“Yes, three,” Ndume confirmed during a live appearance on Channels Television. “There is no civil authority in these places. The authority there is Boko Haram.”
Senator Ndume’s remarks lend weight to a similar warning issued days earlier by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who lamented the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings across the state.
“As I address this important gathering today, it is unfortunate that the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings in many communities almost on a daily basis without confrontation signalled that Borno State is losing ground,” Governor Zulum said during a security meeting in Maiduguri.
Ndume revealed that from November 2023 to date, Borno has witnessed over 250 attacks, resulting in the deaths of more than 100 soldiers and nearly 300 civilians. He said that despite the military killing over 800 terrorists during the same period, the government’s failure to equip and support security forces has left communities vulnerable.
“It is like a stagnated situation. The security agencies are trying their best, but they are not well-equipped to match the evolving threats we are facing,” Ndume stated.
The senator has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to take decisive action, urging him to declare a state of emergency on both national security and the economy.
“Things are getting worse,” Ndume warned. “Enough of business as usual — our people are dying, and our territories are falling.”
As residents mourn yet another deadly attack, the calls for urgent intervention grow louder, with many pleading for comprehensive strategies to reclaim occupied territories and end the reign of terror in the North-East.
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Stay with The Bureau Newspaper for ongoing updates on national security and the fight against insurgency.
