Boko Haram IED Attack Claims Nine Lives In Borno, Prompts Calls For Giwa Barracks Relocation.
A devastating attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Guzamala Local Council, Borno State, claimed the lives of nine people at the weekend, when Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) detonated at a bus stop in Mairari Village. The incident, which occurred around 11am on Saturday, also left numerous villagers injured, with survivors evacuated to hospitals in Monguno and Maiduguri for treatment.
The Speaker of the Borno State House of Assembly, Abdulkarim Lawan, expressed profound grief over the tragedy, describing it as a painful loss for his “resilient constituents.” He said, “It is unfortunate that nine of my resilient constituents were killed by planted IED today (Saturday) while waiting to board vehicles at a local bus stop in Mairari village. May Allah grant their souls to Aljanatul Firdaus. I also pray for quick recovery to those who were evacuated to Monguno and Maiduguri hospitals for treatment after the incident.”
Lawan highlighted the recurring attacks on Mairari, noting that the village, previously resettled twice with civil authority, has once again been deserted due to relentless Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) assaults. He explained, “As resilient people, most of them who are taking refuge in Monguno, Guzamala, and Maiduguri usually visit the Mairari community to farm.” The Speaker urged the military and security agencies to intensify efforts to restore peace in the region.
In response to the persistent insecurity, the Bale Galtimari Consultative (BGC) Forum called on the Federal Government to relocate Giwa Barracks, citing frequent insurgent attacks on the surrounding community. The appeal was made during a briefing in Maiduguri by the Special Adviser to Governor Babagana Zulum on Culture and Regional Integration. He described the “shocks and traumas” endured by residents due to repeated assaults on the barracks, urging stakeholders, including elected officials and community leaders, to prioritise the protection of lives and property. “If we are to overcome this latest wave of insecurity, the time has come for all the stakeholders to rise above personal comfort and political silence,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi, speaking at the 60th birthday celebration of former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi in Abuja on Saturday, lamented Nigeria’s deepening insecurity crisis. “For all those cautioning that we should be careful before entering a crisis, please wake up. We are living with bandits and Boko Haram. We are already in crisis; it has already happened. The question is how do we get out of it?” Sanusi said. He also attributed Nigeria’s multi-dimensional poverty to leadership failures, underscoring the urgency of addressing the nation’s challenges.
The tragic attack and ongoing threats have reignited calls for decisive action to protect vulnerable communities and curb the activities of insurgents in Borno State.
