Maiduguri, Nigeria — A devastating series of suicide bombings orchestrated by female assailants in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of 18 individuals, including women and children, and left 19 others seriously injured. The attacks occurred on Saturday, marking a tragic escalation in a region long plagued by jihadist violence.
Local officials attribute the bombings to militants affiliated with the Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’wah wa’l-Jihād, more commonly known as Boko Haram. This marked resurgence of violence, the first of its scale in nearly five years, underscored the ongoing security challenges in the area.
The assailants launched their deadly campaign in Gwoza, a town in the southern part of Borno State. According to the Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), a female bomber, reportedly carrying a baby, targeted a wedding celebration initially. The attack led to numerous casualties among the guests. Shortly thereafter, other bombers struck mourners gathered at a local hospital and a burial site, intensifying the day’s horrors.
Barkindo Saidu, Director General of SEMA, described the situation as catastrophic. “The first attack in Gwoza immediately resulted in numerous casualties,” Saidu stated. “This was swiftly followed by additional bombings at critical sites where people had convened for care and mourning, multiplying the tragedy.”
Contrasting reports emerged from local police authorities, who initially reported lower casualty numbers. The police spokesperson, ASP Nahum Daso, acknowledged the attacks but cited different figures, mentioning one fatality and several injuries in their preliminary assessment.
Saidu later clarified the extent of the tragedy, saying, “In total, there were 18 fatalities including children and pregnant women, and 19 critically injured individuals were moved to Maiduguri for advanced medical care. Others injured are currently awaiting transfer under military guard.”
The violence in Gwoza, an area known historically as a stronghold for Boko Haram, came amid increasing tensions with rival faction Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as both groups vie for control and influence in the region.
This latest attack also included reports of suspected bombers moving towards Pulka, heightening alert levels and response measures across communities potentially at risk. Saidu emphasized the urgency of the response efforts, detailing plans to distribute emergency medical supplies to address shortages in affected areas.
The increase in the use of suicide bombings by Boko Haram has been noted by security analysts as a particularly grim tactic from the group. According to data compiled by Action on Armed Violence, such attacks form a significant percentage of the group’s operational methods, leading to substantial civilian casualties.
The precise motives and the identities of the attackers remain under investigation, as authorities continue to piece together the events that led to this cruel act of violence. Meanwhile, the local communities are mourning the senseless loss of life and grappling with the ongoing fear of further attacks, which threaten the fragile peace in the region.