At least eight people were confirmed dead after a commercial bus hit a landmine along the Maiduguri-Damboa road in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, on Saturday morning. The explosion, which occurred in an area frequently targeted by Boko Haram militants, also left several others severely injured.
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno state stated that seven of the injured victims were rushed to a hospital in Maiduguri and are currently in the intensive care unit, while 14 others sustained minor injuries. The state government has pledged to cover all medical expenses for those affected by the explosion.
Local vigilante, who was present at the scene, confirmed to reporters that the explosion took place at around 11:45 a.m. A passenger from the nearby Damboa town, spoke of a heavy military presence in the area shortly after the blast, as soldiers arrived to secure the site. He confirmed that the landmine was likely planted by Boko Haram militants, who have been known to use such explosives as part of their insurgency in the region.
The explosion occurred at Gidan Kaji, a village about 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Damboa, and highlights the ongoing security challenges in the northeast, where Boko Haram has long carried out attacks on both military personnel and civilians. In recent years, the militant group has used landmines, IEDs, and other explosive devices to target major roads and undermine security efforts.
Police spokesperson Kenneth Daso told reporters that investigations into the incident are ongoing, with local authorities still gathering details about the attack.
Governor Zulum visited the survivors in the hospital, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to ensuring their recovery and providing financial support. He also called on security forces to redouble their efforts to secure key transportation routes in the state, which have been vulnerable to insurgent activity.
This tragedy is the latest in a series of attacks attributed to Boko Haram, underscoring the persistent threat posed by the group in the region. Last year, a similar mine explosion killed seven soldiers on a highway in northeastern Nigeria, further highlighting the dangers faced by those traveling in the conflict-affected areas.
The Nigerian government continues to face significant challenges in restoring peace and safety to the region, where insurgency-related violence remains rampant. The authorities have pledged to intensify military operations, but incidents like Saturday’s explosion are a stark reminder of the ongoing instability in Borno state and beyond.