Nine passengers were confirmed dead after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated at a local bus stop in Mairari Village, Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State on Saturday morning.
The tragic incident occurred around 11 a.m., according to reports gathered by The PUNCH. Victims were waiting to board commercial vehicles when the explosion happened, causing multiple fatalities and injuries.
Confirming the incident on Sunday, Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, condemned the attack and called on security forces to urgently recapture Guzamala LGA, especially areas like Gudumbali, Mairari Village, and surrounding communities.
These areas have been largely deserted due to repeated Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgent activities. “The military should recapture Guzamala urgently. The people had deserted the local government because of the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP,” Lawan said.
He described the victims as resilient constituents who had been trying to resume normal life despite the ongoing insecurity.
“It is unfortunate that nine of my resilient constituents were killed by planted IEDs while waiting to board vehicles at a local bus stop in Mairari Village. May Allah grant their souls Aljanatul Firdaus. I also pray for quick recovery to those who were evacuated to Monguno and Maiduguri hospitals for treatment after the incident,” the speaker added.
Mairari Village had previously been resettled twice by civil authorities but was deserted again due to the resurgence of insurgent attacks. Many displaced residents now take refuge in Monguno, Guzamala, and Maiduguri but periodically visit their farms and communities in Mairari.
Lawan explained, “Some terrorists, who have been monitoring their movement, planted IEDs at the local bus stop, which exploded while they were waiting to join commercial vehicles back to their places of abode.”
The speaker extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and expressed sympathy for the injured. According to The PUNCH, the injured victims were evacuated to medical facilities in Monguno and Maiduguri for treatment.
The explosion highlights the continuing threat of Boko Haram and ISWAP in northeastern Nigeria, undermining efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the region.
Despite military operations to reclaim territories from insurgents, communities like Guzamala remain vulnerable to attacks, forcing residents to live in constant fear and displacement.
Security experts warn that insurgents have increasingly targeted vulnerable civilians using tactics such as IEDs to spread terror and disrupt attempts at resettlement and farming activities that are crucial for livelihoods.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
