At least eight people were killed and 21 others injured on Saturday following a suspected Boko Haram improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway in Borno State.
Local sources confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that the explosion occurred Saturday afternoon and struck a commercial vehicle transporting passengers to Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The busy road, which connects Maiduguri and Damboa local government areas to the southern part of the state, had reportedly been closed for a month prior to the tragic incident.
Fourteen of the injured victims sustained severe injuries, while seven others with minor wounds were rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri for treatment.
Governor Zulum Visits Victims, Condemns Attack
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, visited survivors of the blast at the hospital and expressed deep sorrow over the resurgence of such attacks in the state.
“This is unfortunate and deeply regrettable. For over a year, we had not witnessed an IED incident of this nature,” Zulum said during the visit.
He extended condolences to the families of the victims and reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering support to the Nigerian military and security agencies in their counter-terrorism efforts.
“I urge our military and security forces to intensify surveillance along this route. We must not allow this situation to escalate,” he stated.
Governor Zulum also reiterated his commitment to strengthening local security architecture, including boosting support for the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and youth volunteers actively involved in counter-insurgency operations.
Growing Concern Over Resurgence of Boko Haram
The attack comes just days after the governor raised alarm over renewed Boko Haram activities in the state. He warned that the state was gradually losing hard-won gains in the fight against insurgency.
Following recent high-level security meetings in Abuja, Zulum expressed cautious optimism.
“Our discussions with the service chiefs were constructive. We raised the alarm over the resurgence and received assurances that urgent measures will be taken to address the situation,” he said.
Reactions from National Leaders
Former senator and human rights advocate, Shehu Sani, also condemned the attack.
“The bomb blast in Borno is tragic, unfortunate, and condemnable. My condolences to the families of the deceased,” he wrote on his official Facebook page.
The latest incident underscores the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram in the region, even as security forces continue to combat the group’s activities.
The U.S. government, in past statements, has condemned Boko Haram’s actions and continues to support Nigeria’s efforts through aid, monitoring, and evaluation systems to address the humanitarian and security crisis in the North-East.
