At least eight people, including a driver and seven passengers, were killed on Saturday after their vehicle hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists along the Maiduguri–Damboa–Biu federal highway. The tragic incident occurred around 11:30 a.m. near Gidan Kaji (Poultry House) in Konduga Local Government Area, a location that has remained deserted for over a decade due to insurgency. A convoy of private and commercial vehicles was being escorted by troops from Damboa to Maiduguri when the explosion happened, seriously injuring several others who were later rushed to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri for treatment.
The District Head of Damboa, Lawan Maina, confirmed the casualties and urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intensify their efforts in combating terrorism in the region. The deadly attack came shortly after former Borno Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, Hon. Yerima Lawan Kareto, criticized the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for downplaying the security concerns raised by Governor Babagana Zulum. Governor Zulum had earlier warned that Borno may be losing ground to terrorists, citing recent Boko Haram attacks and displacement of military formations in areas like Wulgo, Izge, Sabon Gari, and Wajirko.
In response to Zulum’s statement, Minister Idris issued a press release claiming the government remained committed to defeating terrorism and described the governor’s remarks as misinformed. The minister’s aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, later clarified that the controversial headline attributed to his boss—“Ignore Zulum, Boko Haram has not taken over Borno”—was categorically false and a misrepresentation of the minister’s comments. Still, Hon. Kareto maintained that the rebuttal was insufficient, insisting that the minister should visit Borno personally to understand the gravity of the situation and offer an apology to both the state government and its people.
Kareto, a native of Damasak, challenged Minister Idris to travel with him to the frontline communities to witness the reality firsthand. He emphasized that the people of Borno continue to support Governor Zulum’s administration, which has consistently provided critical resources to security agencies since 2019. Kareto urged the governor and frontline troops not to be discouraged by the Minister’s remarks but to remain focused in the battle against insurgency. “Borno’s resilience should not be taken for granted,” Kareto stated, adding that only an on-ground assessment could help federal authorities better understand the renewed threat posed by Boko Haram.
