Tears as deadly road bomb kills 26, injures others in Borno

A devastating Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack on Monday April 28, 2025, has killed at least 26 and 3 injured in Borno State.

Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, confirmed the attack, on his verified X (formerly Twitter), platform.

According to makama, the explosion occurred along the Rann–Kala Balge–Gamboru Ngala road in the northeastern part of the state.

Security officials confirmed the victims included civilian women and children.

The convoy was travelling from Rann in Kala Balge Local Government Area toward Gamboru Ngala when the incident happened.

The explosives were planted along the road and detonated as the vehicles passed over them.

Eyewitnesses said the IEDs were concealed and triggered by the movement of the civilian vehicles.

The blast caused severe destruction, killing most passengers instantly and injuring three others.

Those injured are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities.

He said the assailants targeted multiple vehicles in a planned ambush using hidden explosive devices.

Emergency response teams rushed to the site of the explosion shortly after it occurred.

They evacuated the dead and injured, and provided urgent medical attention to the survivors.

Security forces quickly cordoned off the affected area and began clearance operations to detect more explosives.

The military is currently combing the road and surrounding bush paths for other IEDs.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of press time.

However, insurgents operating in the region have used IEDs to target civilians and security operatives in the past.

This latest attack has reignited fears among residents travelling across remote parts of Borno.

Many locals have called for increased military patrols and better surveillance in vulnerable areas.

A resident whose identity is withheld, in Gamboru Ngala told reporters that the incident had left the entire community in mourning.

“We are tired of burying innocent people,” he said. “Government must stop this bloodshed.”

Borno State authorities have condemned the attack and pledged to intensify security efforts along major highways.

The attack is one of the deadliest in recent months along the Rann–Gamboru Ngala route.

Military officials said investigations are ongoing and that suspects would be tracked and brought to justice.

The Borno State government urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

Security forces have assured the public that measures are being taken to prevent future attacks.

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