Tragedy in Borno as IED Blast Kills 26 in Renewed Surge of Insurgent Violence

Violence has once again erupted in Nigeria’s northeast as a devastating roadside bomb claimed the lives of at least 26 people in Borno State, a region long haunted by militant groups Boko Haram and its offshoot, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

The deadly incident occurred on Monday when a truck transporting civilians struck an improvised explosive device (IED) along the road connecting the towns of Rann and Gamboru Ngala, near the border with Cameroon. The explosion, which eyewitnesses say left many victims burned beyond recognition, killed men, women, and children.

“Among the dead are 16 men, four women, and six children,” a military official, who requested anonymity, confirmed to WafricNews. Three others sustained critical injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

Authorities in Borno have not released an official statement, but the International NGO Safety Organisation (INSO) indicated that the vehicle convoy was likely targeted by militants operating in the area. A video seen by WafricNews showed white body bags lined up at Rann General Hospital’s morgue, underscoring the human toll of the attack.

ISWAP has reportedly claimed responsibility for the bombing via a statement posted to its Telegram channel on Tuesday. The group, along with Boko Haram, has maintained a persistent presence in the northeast despite repeated claims by the Nigerian government of having "technically defeated" the insurgency.

This latest incident adds to a spate of deadly attacks over the past week. On the same day, Boko Haram fighters reportedly killed 10 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Adamawa State. Just days earlier, 14 farmers were murdered in Gwoza district, also in Borno, further stoking fears of renewed insurgent activity.

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum raised alarms last Friday during a briefing with Nigeria’s defence leadership, warning that Boko Haram and ISWAP have taken advantage of recent military setbacks to reinforce their positions in the Lake Chad region, the Sambisa Forest, and the Mandara Mountains bordering Cameroon.

In a strategic move, the Nigerian military on Tuesday appointed Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar as the new commander of operations in the northeast. He becomes the 15th officer to lead the fight against the insurgency since the conflict began over a decade ago.

The insurgency, now in its 15th year, has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced millions across Nigeria and the Lake Chad Basin. Despite ongoing military efforts, communities in Borno and surrounding states continue to bear the brunt of the violence.



By WafricNews Staff  | April 29, 2025