Tragedy struck Mairari village in Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State on Saturday as a bomb explosion killed at least nine people and left several others injured.
The blast, which occurred around 11 a.m. at a local bus stop, was reportedly caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) believed to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents.
According to eyewitness accounts, the explosion occurred as villagers gathered at the bus stop to board vehicles after returning from their farms. The injured victims sustained varying degrees of wounds and were quickly evacuated to medical facilities in Monguno and Maiduguri for emergency treatment.
The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdulkarim Lawan, confirmed the incident on Sunday and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. He described the attack as a devastating blow to the community and a tragic setback for displaced persons who had returned in hopes of rebuilding their lives.
“It is truly unfortunate that nine of my resilient constituents were killed by planted IEDs while waiting for transport in Mairari village,” Lawan stated. “May Allah grant their souls eternal rest in Aljanatul Firdaus. I also extend my prayers for the speedy recovery of those who are currently receiving medical care.”
Lawan explained that most of the victims were internally displaced persons (IDPs) who had returned to Mairari to engage in farming and rebuild their livelihoods despite the ongoing threats of insurgency in the area. The village, once considered a symbol of resilience, has now been deserted again due to renewed attacks.
“Mairari was the only resettled community in Guzamala LGA with functioning civil authority. Unfortunately, it has once again been abandoned due to the persistent assaults by Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters,” he lamented.
He noted that many displaced residents currently sheltering in Monguno, Gajiram, and Maiduguri frequently return to their farmlands in Mairari during the day. The IED, he said, was carefully planted by insurgents at the bus stop, which villagers commonly use as a transit point.
The Speaker used the occasion to renew his appeal to the Nigerian military and security agencies to intensify operations aimed at reclaiming Guzamala LGA, particularly the towns of Mairari and Gudumbali—the local government headquarters—which have remained under insurgent control for several years, devoid of any civil governance.
“I appreciate the efforts of the new Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, and his troops. However, I once again urge the military to take full control of Guzamala and restore peace and civil authority,” Lawan said.
Mairari community has undergone resettlement twice, but repeated attacks have forced residents to flee, leaving the village nearly abandoned once again.
As of the time of this report, the Borno State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.