At least four people were killed and no fewer than 21 others injured in a tragic explosion caused by a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Katarko-Goniri Road in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The incident occurred on Friday as the victims were heading to the popular Buniyadi market when their vehicle ran over the suspected IED.
The Gotala community, where the explosion happened, lies on the fringes of the Sambisa forest, an area notorious for Boko Haram insurgent activities over the past 15 years.
According to eyewitness accounts, a similar incident had taken place the previous day when vigilantes and military vehicles triggered a buried explosive along the same route, resulting in multiple casualties.
The bodies of the four deceased individuals have been taken home for burial, while those injured are currently receiving treatment at both a specialist hospital and the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, Damaturu.
As of the time of reporting, the military had not issued an official statement regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, the families of the victims have made a passionate appeal to the state government to urgently repair the deteriorating road. They warned that without swift action, both civilians and military personnel stationed in the area remain at high risk. They said, “The lives of the communities and the military formation at Goniri are at high risk.”
