Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Eight people lost their lives while 11 others sustained injuries after a passenger bus struck an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road in Borno State.
The tragic incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. on Saturday in Komala village, located within the Konduga Local Government Area.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed the development, with the spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, stating that the affected vehicle, a Hummer bus with registration number Jigawa MMR144, was traveling from Damboa to Maiduguri when it hit the explosive device.
“Unfortunately, eight persons died, while 11 others sustained injuries,” Daso said. He added that the injured are currently receiving treatment, and a clearance operation is ongoing in the area to avert further explosions.
“Currently, the Divisional Police Officers in charge of Damboa and Konduga are maintaining high vigilance, and the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) unit has sensitized motorists,” he added.
Local drivers who traveled the road after the explosion reported a gridlock caused by sympathizers who had gathered at the scene. One of the motorists, Aminu Ismaila, said, “I didn’t meet the incident, but I saw people gathered in the area. We were delayed as security agents conducted clearance operations.”
Another eyewitness, who declined to be named, said the bus was severely damaged, adding, “It was clearly an explosion, not a collision. The vehicle was destroyed beyond recognition.”
