Maiduguri, Nigeria — A devastating wave of suicide bombings rocked Borno State on Saturday, claiming the lives of at least 18 individuals, including women and children, and inflicting severe injuries on 19 others. The attacks, carried out by female bombers believed to be linked with the extremist group Boko Haram, marked a horrific resurgence of violence in the region.
Local security sources reported that the attackers strategically launched their assaults between Friday evening and early Saturday, targeting a range of community gatherings. Multiple female assailants, each armed with explosives, executed their deadly mission, which began with a tragic scene at a wedding in the town of Gwoza.
An anonymous security source emphasized the urgent need for vigilance, stating the community was unsure of the whereabouts and plans of the recent group of released female recruits who had joined the attackers. At least 30 women were suspected to have been trained and prepared for suicide missions, according to intelligence reports.
The town of Gwoza, situated in the southern reaches of Borno, first experienced the horror when a woman, carrying a baby, detonated her explosive device amidst a joyful wedding celebration. The shock of the initial blast was swiftly followed by further tragedies, as subsequent attackers struck mourners gathered at both a hospital and a local burial ground.
According to Barkindo Saidu, Director General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, the attack took an enormous toll on the community’s morale and public safety. “This sudden surge in violence, the first of such magnitude in nearly five years, has left our community shaken,” Saidu said.
While local police confirmed the occurrence of the attacks, their reports varied slightly concerning casualties. ASP Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police, noted differences in the numbers but corroborated the shocking breadth of the tragedy.
Saidu detailed grim scenes as emergency teams coordinated the swift transfer of wounded victims to more equipped facilities. “The severity of injuries ranged from abdominal ruptures to complicated fractures. Immediate mobilization of emergency supplies was critical as we struggled with medical shortages on the ground,” he noted.
The authorities transported seriously injured individuals to Maiduguri for advanced treatment, while others awaited secure passage, guarded by military escort, to receive necessary care at the Medical Regimental Services Clinic.
The suspected involvement of Boko Haram, though not officially claimed by the group, aligns with their known operational strategies and historical presence in the Gwoza area. The region has long been a battleground for control between security forces and militant groups, with the local populace caught in the crossfire.
In response to the attacks, Saidu also mentioned increased surveillance and security measures, especially following unconfirmed reports of potential threats in nearby Pulka. The constant threat of such extreme violence underscores the volatile security situation in northeastern Nigeria, a hotspot for terrorist activities by groups such as Boko Haram and the rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Such attacks highlight ongoing challenges in combating extremism in the region, where suicide bombings have accounted for a significant proportion of both attacks and civilian casualties over recent years.
As the community of Gwoza and the broader Borno State grapple with this tragic incident, security measures and emergency responses continue to be tested under the strain of persistent threats and violence in northeastern Nigeria. The resolve of both local authorities and international stakeholders remains critical in addressing the complex security and humanitarian issues faced by the region.