Suicide Bomber Hits Borno Market, Kills 10, Injures Others
A tragic suicide bombing rocked a bustling evening fish market in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State on Friday night, leaving at least 10 civilians dead and seven others injured, in what authorities suspect is another attack by the extremist group Boko Haram.
The explosion occurred during peak trading hours at the popular open-air market, which draws hundreds of local traders and residents each evening.
According to security sources, the attacker—believed to be a Boko Haram operative—disguised himself as a civilian and blended into the crowd before detonating an explosive device in the midst of unsuspecting shoppers.
“The suicide bomber mingled with traders before triggering the device. The attacker was also killed instantly in the blast,” said local security official Makama, speaking to journalists in Maiduguri.
Witnesses described a harrowing scene in the aftermath of the explosion. Victims lay motionless amid debris, while others screamed in pain and panic as thick smoke engulfed the area.
One eyewitness recounted seeing severed limbs scattered across the ground and people fleeing in all directions.
Military personnel and emergency responders from the Nigerian Army and State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) arrived at the scene swiftly.
The injured were rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment, and the area was promptly cordoned off by security forces to prevent further attacks or follow-up assaults.
The market, known for its late-evening activity and high foot traffic, has now been temporarily shut down as investigations continue.
Authorities are combing the scene for evidence, while surveillance has been heightened across surrounding communities to forestall similar incidents.
Security sources said the attack bore the hallmark of Boko Haram, which has repeatedly targeted civilian gathering points, particularly markets and places of worship, in a bid to instill fear and disrupt everyday life in northeast Nigeria.
The latest attack underscores the persistent threat posed by insurgents in the region, even as the military continues to claim progress in its counter-terrorism operations.
Community leaders and security officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior as efforts intensify to secure public spaces across Borno State.
Suicide Bomber Hits Borno Market, Kills 10, Injures Others