Reports suggest that around 16 individuals may have lost their lives, with an additional 20 sustaining injuries, following an incident where a commercial vehicle traveling on the Baga-Kukawa Road in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State came into contact with an Improvised Explosive Device believed to have been planted by the ISWAP terrorist group.
According to credible military intelligence sources as relayed by Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, the tragic event took place on Wednesday, April 17.
While Makama initially mentioned 10 fatalities, sources informed NewsNow that the actual number could be as high as 16.
When approached for comments, 7Div spokesman, Lt Col Ajemusu Jingina, declined to provide details, citing that the incident area falls under the jurisdiction of the Multi-National Joint Task Force based in Ndjamena, Chad Republic.
Sharing insights, Baga resident Bukar Wakil informed NewsNow over the phone, “We were informed that the IED was intended for military targets, but sadly, it was the civilian vehicle that triggered the explosion, resulting in the tragic loss of approximately 16 lives and injuries to around 20 individuals, mostly bystanders.”
Expressing worry, Maiduguri-based security expert Abdullahi Abubakar expressed concern over the increasing sporadic attacks by ISWAP in the Lake Chad basin.
“To understand the recent surge in attacks, three aspects must be considered,” he conveyed to NewsNow.
He elaborated, “Firstly, the military has claimed to have significantly weakened Boko Haram; secondly, ISWAP, known as Boko Haram’s rival, has expanded its presence in the Chad basin, not only perpetrating terror but also engaging in relentless battles to suppress Boko Haram; and lastly, ISWAP aims to assert its endurance and capability to the Nigerian armed forces by showcasing its resilience.”
He emphasized, “Unless ISWAP is completely dismantled by the military, the group will likely continue to disrupt peace in the Chad Basin region.
“This pattern clarifies the sporadic attacks, particularly in Northern Borno.”