8 killed in Boko Haram bomb blast on Maiduguri-Damboa highway

A deadly explosion on the Maiduguri-Damboa highway in Borno State has reportedly claimed the lives of at least eight individuals, following the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday and left several others injured. Those wounded have reportedly been taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.

Eyewitness accounts and local sources have confirmed the attack, with many taking to social media to express their sorrow and frustration over the continued insecurity in the region. One Facebook user, Ibn Maigana, mourned the loss, writing: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raju’un. The road to my hometown, Damboa Local Government Area in Borno, has been dangerous and one of the riskiest roads in the country for years now. We’ve lost exceptional military staff and residents to the criminal elements called Boko Haram.”

He added: “And today, they planted explosives that claimed the lives of eight innocent individuals on the Maiduguri-Damboa road. This further justifies the call for the intensification of security measures to protect the lives and properties of the citizenry. May Allah protect us from being victimized by ungodly elements and rest the souls of the deceased.”

On X (formerly Twitter), another user, @OffucialAzzaki, echoed the confirmation, stating: “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.”

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso Kenneth, said efforts were ongoing to gather detailed information regarding the explosion.

The attack comes amid growing concern over the escalating threat of insurgency in the North-East. Just days prior, Senator Ali Ndume disclosed that Boko Haram fighters had effectively seized control of three communities in Borno—Gudumbali in Guzamala LGA, Marte, and Abadam—where civil authority has been replaced by insurgent rule.

“Yes, three,” Ndume confirmed during an appearance on Channels Television. “What we are saying is that there is no civil authority there, and the authority is Boko Haram.”

The lawmaker’s statement aligns with recent warnings from Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who raised alarms about the resurgence of terrorist activities and increasing attacks 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 stated during a security meeting in Maiduguri.

Ndume backed the governor’s concerns, highlighting the toll of the conflict. “From November last year till date, there were over 250 attacks in the state, and somebody is saying we should ignore the governor,” he said. “We have lost more than 100 soldiers, nearly 300 civilians even though our soldiers gallantly killed 800 of those terrorists within this period.”

The senator also criticized the capacity of the security forces, citing poor equipment and inadequate strategy as significant barriers. “It is like a stagnated situation,” Ndume remarked. “The security agencies are trying their best, but they are not well-equipped to match the evolving threats we are facing.”

He concluded by calling on President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency in response to the worsening crisis. “Things are getting worse,” Ndume warned. “The president should declare a state of emergency. Enough of business as usual — our people are dying, and our territories are falling.”

(SAHARA REPORTERS)