By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
About 26 persons have been confirmed killed and three others injured following a deadly attack by terrorists with improvised explosive device (IED) along the Maiduguri–Damboa highway in Borno State,North-East Nigeria.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday, April 29, when a convoy of civilian and commercial vehicles, accompanied by military escorts, was traveling from Damboa to Maiduguri, the state capital.
The IED, suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents, exploded with devastating impact, destroying several vehicles and killing many of occupants of the vehicles instantly.
The attack stands out as one of the deadliest incidents on the route in recent months, reigniting fears about the resurgence of terrorist activities in the region.
State Governor Babagana Zulum, in his reaction, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, lamenting that the state had experienced over a year of relative peace before the tragic event.
He visited the injured victims at the State Specialist Hospital, Maiduguri, and directed that their treatment be underwritten by the state government.
The governor also called for increased surveillance and security patrols on highways across the State to prevent further attacks.
The Maiduguri–Damboa road has long been a dangerous route due to frequent ambushes and IED attacks, despite the presence of security forces.
Security experts believe the latest incident highlighted the need for renewed military operations and intelligence efforts to dismantle terrorist networks operating in the region.
Residents have continued to urge the government to improve safety and restore normalcy to affected communities.
