No fewer than eight persons have been confirmed dead, while 21 others were injured in a bomb blast suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri–Damboa expressway in Borno State.
The blast, believed to be caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), killed the victims on Saturday, April 12, 2025.
The targeted civilian vehicles were travelling along the highway.
14 of the injured victims sustained severe injuries, while seven others were treated for minor wounds at the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who visited the victims, described the incident as regrettable, especially as Borno State had not experienced an IED attack in over a year.
“It is unfortunate this is happening now. We haven’t witnessed an IED attack for over a year,” Zulum said.
The governor noted that the road had been closed for a month.
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Zulum expressed grief over the loss of life and extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the Nigerian military and other security agencies in Borno State.
“I urge the Nigerian military and other security agencies to strengthen surveillance along the highway to prevent further attacks,” the governor added.
Zulum stressed that Borno State would continue to work closely with the military and federal government to tackle insurgency.
“I assure the people of Borno that, ‘Insha Allah’, under my leadership, we will not allow the security situation to worsen,” Zulum added.
He also pledged to enhance local security systems, including supporting the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and youth volunteers involved in counter-insurgency operations.
