Eight Killed, Scores Injured In Borno Highway Explosion
Eight people were killed and scores injured in a devastating explosion on Saturday, April 12, 2025, along the Maiduguri-Damboa highway in Borno State, Nigeria. The incident occurred around 11:30 am when a bus carrying passengers stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists.
The explosion, which occurred near Gidan Kaji (Poultry House) in the Konduga local government area, damaged a Hummer bus beyond repair. The District Head of Damboa, Lawan Maina, confirmed the incident, stating that a driver and seven passengers died on the spot, while many others sustained various degrees of injury.
All those who sustained injuries have been evacuated and admitted to the State Specialists Hospital in Maiduguri, where Governor Babagana Zulum ordered free treatment for the injured. The remains of the victims are currently under profiling. The governor and his entourage were spotted at the hospital, showing support for the affected individuals.
This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in the region, with Boko Haram terrorists continuing to pose a significant threat to the lives of civilians and security personnel. The Maiduguri-Damboa Road is a strategic corridor linking Maiduguri to several local government areas in Southern Borno, facilitating both economic and military operations in the region.
The incident has sparked controversy, with Governor Babagana Zulum suggesting that the state may be losing control to Boko Haram insurgents due to renewed attacks. However, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disagreed with Zulum's claim, stating that the administration remains committed to combating terrorism and banditry across the nation.
Former Borno Commissioner of Trade, Commerce, and Industry, Hon. Yerima Lawan Kareto, has extended an invitation to Minister Idris to visit Borno and witness the situation firsthand. Kareto believes that Idris's statement was misguided and that the minister should tender an unreserved apology to the government and people of Borno.
The explosion on the Maiduguri-Damboa highway is a stark reminder of the security challenges facing Borno State and the need for sustained efforts to combat terrorism and banditry. The government and security agencies must work together to ensure the safety of civilians and security personnel in the region. As the situation continues to unfold, it is essential for stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed to finding solutions to the security crisis in Borno State.
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