At least nine killed in terrorist attack in Nigeria

At least nine passengers have been killed by planted by Boko Haram terrorists at Mairari village in Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State, Nigeria.

At least nine civilians were killed and several others injured after Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) planted by the "Boko Haram" terrorist group exploded at a bus stop in northeastern Nigeria, local officials confirmed on June 1.

The attack occurred in a rural village in Guzamala Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State. The explosives were reportedly planted at a popular transportation hub frequented by civilians returning from farming activities, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Local sources told reporters that the victims had gathered to board commercial vehicles when the explosion occurred. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals for emergency treatment.

“It is unfortunate that nine of my resilient constituents were killed by planted IEDs today while waiting to board vehicles at a local bus stop in Mairari village. May Allah grant their souls Aljanatul Firdaus,” Abdulkarim Lawan, Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, said. 

Lawan described the affected area as one of the few parts of the region previously resettled after years of displacement but has recently become deserted again due to renewed militant activity. He urged Nigerian military forces to intensify their operations and retake the affected district, which remains under insurgent control.

“I know that the newly deployed Theatre Commander of North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar and his troops are doing well in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP, let me reiterate my appeal for the military to take over the entire Guzamala local government area which has remained under Boko Haram territory, so as to restore civil authority,” he said.

Boko Haram is a militant group based in northeastern Nigeria and also active in Chad, Niger, northern Cameroon, and Mali. The terrorist group, which has been active in Nigeria since the early 2000s, has been responsible for mass terrorist attacks since 2009, claiming tens of thousands of lives.

By Sabina Mammadli