STORY: ::Graphic warning

::A Nigerian official blames Boko Haram insurgents after several people were killed when their bus hit a landmine

:: April 12, 2025

:: Damboa, Nigeria

:: Babagana Zulum, Borno State Governor

“There is resurgence of Boko Haram activities in Borno state and there is a need for Borno state government, the military, as well as paramilitary to work together in order to abort the looming situation.”

“For the last one year or so, we have not witnessed IED explosion between Maiduguri to Damboa, but unfortunately the road was closed for about one month, and I believe this is one of the reasons why insurgents have decided to come and plant IEDs because of lack of vehicular movement along the road.”

Seven other travelers were taken to the intensive care unit of a hospital in the state capital Maiduguri, while 14 people sustained minor injuries in the incident, according to Zulum.

He also said the government would foot the bills of those injured as he visited some of them at a hospital.

Landmines are common in the northeast region where the Islamist group Boko Haram frequently launches attacks on security facilities and civilian communities, and has kidnapped hundreds of school children in the past.

The governor urged the security agencies to intensify efforts in combating insurgency and securing major roads across the state.