Bomb Explosion in Borno Leaves 19 Feared Dead Ahead of Nationwide Protests

At least 19 people were killed when an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated at a local spot in Kawuri community, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to NIGERIA NEWS 247, the explosion occurred on Wednesday, injuring an unspecified number of residents. The device is believed to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents, who have been causing unrest in the North-East.

The incident is part of a series of recent attacks, including one that claimed the lives of seven Nigerian soldiers.

A government official, speaking to Daily Trust, confirmed the explosion occurred around 8:05 pm at a local tea joint where villagers were gathered. The official, who requested anonymity, stated that 19 bodies were found at the scene, and numerous injured individuals were transported to an undisclosed hospital in Maiduguri for treatment.

“There is no clear information on how it happened, but it is suspected that the bomb was planted, not a result of a suicide attack,” the source said.

The explosion happened just hours before the planned nationwide protests against hunger in Nigeria, set to begin today, Thursday. Nigerian youths are preparing to stage mass protests across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).