Tragedy struck in two Nigerian states between Friday night and early Saturday as separate deadly explosions claimed multiple lives and left several others wounded.
In Borno State, a suicide bombing blamed on suspected Boko Haram insurgents rocked a bustling fish market in Konduga Local Government Area, while an explosion linked to a military-grade device occurred in Kano State’s Eastern Bypass area.
On Friday night, terror returned to Konduga, Borno State, when a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) inside a crowded market. According to eyewitness accounts and security sources, the attacker had infiltrated the marketplace under disguise before triggering the deadly blast.
The explosion killed the bomber and ten civilians instantly, while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries. In the immediate aftermath, troops from the Nigerian Army and emergency response agencies swiftly moved in to secure the area and offer aid. The injured were promptly evacuated to nearby hospitals where they are currently receiving medical treatment.
In response to the attack, security operatives cordoned off the scene to prevent further threats or potential secondary explosions. Authorities are continuing surveillance in the region, as fears of renewed insurgent activity persist.
Just hours later, in the early hours of Saturday, a separate explosion occurred in the Eastern Bypass axis of Kano State, killing five people and injuring at least 15 others. The blast, which caused widespread panic among residents, was reportedly triggered by a military-grade mortar bomb.
Confirming the incident, the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Adamu Bakori, disclosed that the explosion likely resulted from the mishandling or improper transportation of military ordnance. He stated that preliminary information pointed to a trailer believed to have originated from Yobe State, possibly transporting the explosive device.
“I received a distress call about a serious incident. Upon arriving at the scene, I found evidence of what appears to be a mortar bomb explosion. Unfortunately, five persons lost their lives and fifteen others were wounded,” Commissioner Bakori told reporters.
The injured victims were immediately rushed to the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) for emergency medical care, while security agencies moved to secure the blast site.
Speaking further, CP Bakori clarified that the source and ownership of the explosive device were yet to be determined. He noted that ongoing investigations would reveal whether the trailer was conveying military personnel or civilians and what led to the detonation of such a dangerous weapon in a civilian area.
“We are still trying to piece together the full details. For now, security operatives have cordoned off the area to prevent public access, and investigations are progressing,” he added, urging residents to remain calm and cooperate with law enforcement.
In both Borno and Kano, the swift response of security personnel and emergency services helped limit further casualties. However, the twin incidents have reignited concerns over the circulation of explosive materials and the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups and lapses in arms handling across the country.