A devastating suicide attack in the Kawuri village of Konduga Local Government Area claimed the lives of 16 individuals and left 20 others wounded, prompting the police to enforce a 24-hour curfew across Borno State.
The decision to implement the curfew was announced by Police Public Relations Officer, Nahum Daso, in a statement released in Maiduguri. It was made in response to the tragic bomb attack that resulted in the loss of many innocent lives.
After consultations between Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, and security agency heads in the state, the decision was reached to prevent further security breaches.
“The curfew is a necessary measure to avert additional casualties and property damage while enabling security agencies to maintain order and ensure public safety.
Residents are urged to remain indoors and refrain from unnecessary movements throughout the curfew period,” Daso stated.
He called for calm and obedience from the state’s residents, promising to provide updates on the situation as it progresses.
NAN reported that a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber detonated an explosive at a market in Kauri, a rural community in the Konduga area of Borno.
The incident took place around 9 pm on Wednesday within the market area, which typically operates at night.
Yusuf Lawan, the Commissioner of Police in Borno State, reported that response teams were swiftly dispatched to the location to evacuate the injured individuals for medical attention, while the deceased were taken to the primary healthcare center.
Lawan mentioned the deployment of the police Explosive Ordnance Device team to safeguard the area from potential additional threats.
He confirmed the restoration of order and heightened vigilance by joint security teams.
The incident on Wednesday occurred approximately four weeks following multiple suicide bombings that resulted in 32 casualties in the Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno in early July.
This marked the deadliest attack in the North-East region after an extended period of peace.
The military condemned the act as an act of cowardice by Boko Haram militants, asserting that the insurgents had been considerably weakened.
“The terrorists carried out these cowardly assaults against innocent civilians to portray strength and disguise their decline. It is essential for citizens to see through the terrorist’s facade. We must recognize that their goal is to counter reports of their weaknesses and instill fear in the public,” stated Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, the spokesman for the Defence Headquarters.