Suspected IED Blast Kills 4, Injures 21 in Yobe State

At least four people were killed and 21 others injured on Friday following an explosion from a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Katarko-Goniri Road in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The victims, mostly residents of Gotala Community, were en route to the popular Buniyadi market when their vehicle triggered the explosive device. The area lies on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, a known stronghold for Boko Haram insurgents for over 15 years.

During a visit by Channels Television to the Damaturu Specialist Hospital, it was observed that the remains of the deceased had already been released for burial, while the injured are currently receiving treatment at both the Damaturu Specialist Hospital and the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital.

Local sources also reported that other vehicles, including those belonging to vigilante groups and the military, may have run over additional IEDs along the same road on Friday, leading to more casualties. However, the military has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.

Families of the victims, speaking from the hospitals, urged the Yobe State Government to urgently rehabilitate the deteriorating Katarko-Goniri Road, stressing that the poor condition of the road has made it easier for insurgents to plant explosives undetected. They warned that both civilians and the nearby military formation in Goniri remain at serious risk without swift intervention.