At least eight passengers were killed and eleven others critically injured on Saturday when a commercial bus traveling along the volatile Maiduguri-Damboa Road in Borno State struck an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists
The tragic incident occurred around 11:45 a.m. at Komala village in Konduga Local Government Area, a region known for sporadic attacks and insurgent activities. The explosion completely destroyed the bus, leaving mangled wreckage and traumatized survivors in its wake.
Confirming the incident to ireport247new.com, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, said the Hummer bus bearing registration number Jigawa MMR144 was en route from Damboa to Maiduguri when it hit the IED.
“Today, around 11:45 a.m., we received a report of an incident where a Hummer bus traveling from Damboa to Maiduguri stepped on an IED at Komala village. The IED is suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists. Unfortunately, eight persons died, while 11 others sustained injuries,” Daso said.
He added that the injured passengers were receiving medical attention at the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri, where emergency response teams have been on high alert since the blast.
In the aftermath of the explosion, the Borno State Police Command launched a swift response, deploying its Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit to secure the area and prevent further casualties. The police have since commenced a clearance operation in Komala and adjoining communities to search for additional devices and ensure the safety of road users.
“Currently, the Divisional Police Officers in charge of Damboa and Konduga are on high alert. The EOD unit is actively working to clear the area, while also sensitising motorists about the threat of hidden explosives,” ASP Daso noted.
An eyewitness and fellow traveler, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described the scene as horrific.
“The explosion was deafening. The bus was torn apart, and we saw bodies scattered. It was clear that the blast was from an IED. We counted at least eight lifeless bodies, and several others were badly injured,” the eyewitness recounted.
He added that many commuters abandoned their journeys out of fear, with some opting to take longer, alternative routes to avoid the danger zone.
In a swift response to the tragedy, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, visited the injured victims at the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri on Saturday evening.
The governor expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and assured the affected families of government support. He reiterated the state’s commitment to working with federal security agencies to eliminate the threat of insurgency.
“This incident is deeply unfortunate. We have intensified discussions with service chiefs and other national security stakeholders. Their renewed commitment to tackling the resurgence of Boko Haram is reassuring,” Governor Zulum said during his visit.
He emphasized the importance of vigilance and community support in combating terrorism, calling on residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.
Saturday’s bomb attack has reignited concerns about the possible resurgence of Boko Haram’s activities in Borno, particularly along rural routes that are difficult to police consistently. Despite sustained military campaigns, the insurgents remain a threat in several parts of the state, often relying on guerrilla tactics such as roadside bombs and ambushes.
According to security analysts, the Maiduguri-Damboa road has long been a flashpoint due to its strategic importance and proximity to forest enclaves where insurgents are believed to operate from.
The group, officially designated as a terrorist organization by Nigeria and several countries including the United States, is responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands and displacement of millions since its insurgency began in 2009.
Civil society organizations and community leaders in Borno have once again called for the installation of surveillance systems and the increased deployment of security personnel along major roads to prevent future attacks.
Malam Bukar Musa, a resident of Damboa, lamented the recurring attacks despite ongoing military efforts.
“We cannot continue to live in fear. These terrorists are still able to plant bombs on public roads. We need drones, patrols, and consistent military presence to restore confidence,” he said.
As Borno State mourns the loss of innocent lives, the latest Boko Haram attack serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria’s North-East. While the government continues to commit resources to ending insurgency, experts warn that a long-term solution must include community engagement, intelligence gathering, youth empowerment, and cross-border cooperation to root out terror networks.