Explosive Device Planted By Boko Haram Terrorists Kills 8 On Damboa-Maiduguri Road In Borno

Maiduguri, Borno  State– No fewer than eight people have been confirmed dead following a deadly blast on the Damboa-Maiduguri road in Borno State.

The explosive device, believed to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists, detonated on Saturday, leaving several others injured and requiring hospitalization.

Local sources, including Facebook user Ibn Maigana, confirmed the attack and provided further details about the dangers that have long plagued residents of the area.

Maigana expressed his grief on social media, 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 went on to describe the devastating effects of the attack, stating, “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.”

Another user on X, @OffucialAzzaki, also confirmed the attack, noting, “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 reached for comment, Borno State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso Kenneth, stated he was in the process of gathering more information about the incident.

This attack comes amid growing concerns over Boko Haram’s increasing control in the region.

Earlier reports by Afrika Eyes highlighted a troubling statement from Senator Ali Ndume, who revealed that Boko Haram had taken control of at least three communities in Borno State, replacing government authorities with their own. These communities—Gudumbali in Guzamala Local Government Area, Marte, and Abadam—are now under the insurgents’ control, with no civil authorities present.

Senator Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, made the revelation during an appearance on Channels Television on Friday, amplifying concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s North-East.

“Yes, three,” Ndume confirmed when asked if Boko Haram had taken control of certain areas. “What we are saying is that there is no civil authority there, and the authority is Boko Haram,” he added, highlighting the severity of the crisis.

The senator’s comments mirror concerns raised earlier by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, who warned of the renewed Boko Haram attacks and kidnappings that have plagued many communities almost daily.

During a security meeting in Maiduguri, Governor Zulum stressed that Borno State was losing ground to the terrorists.

Senator Ndume echoed these fears, underscoring the dire situation.

“From November last year till date, there were over 250 attacks in the state, and somebody is saying we should ignore the governor,” he remarked, adding that the state has suffered significant casualties, including the deaths of over 100 soldiers and nearly 300 civilians.

Despite the efforts of the military, which has reportedly killed 800 Boko Haram fighters, the senator painted a grim picture of the ongoing conflict.

Ndume also ccriticised he preparedness of the security forces, suggesting that inadequate equipment and poor strategy were hampering efforts to combat the growing insurgency.

“It is like a stagnated situation,” Ndume said.

“The security agencies are trying their best, but they are not well-equipped to match the evolving threats we are facing.”

In a call for urgent action, the senator urged President Bola Tinubu to declare a state of emergency not just on security but also on the welfare of the citizens and the country’s ailing economy.

“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.”

The attack on the Damboa-Maiduguri road highlights the worsening security situation in the region, with Boko Haram’s insurgency continuing to devastate the lives of innocent civilians and disrupt the safety and stability of the area.