A devastating bomb explosion struck the town of Konduga in Borno State on Friday night, claiming the lives of at least 11 residents and leaving several others critically injured.
The deadly blast occurred in front of a local cinema situated next to the town’s bustling fish market, a location that was reportedly crowded at the time of the attack.
Casualties and Emergency Response
According to members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), the explosion caused significant carnage. Many of the injured victims were rushed to the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital, located approximately 36 kilometers away in the Borno State capital.
Emergency medical teams and first responders have since been working round the clock to stabilize those wounded in the attack. Eyewitnesses reported scenes of chaos, with blood-stained debris and body parts scattered across the area shortly after the blast.
“It was a horrific scene,” said one CJTF member. “The bomb went off just as people were gathering in front of the cinema. It’s the worst we’ve seen in months.”
Security Measures and Investigations Underway
Following the incident, security personnel including soldiers and anti-bomb units were immediately deployed to the scene to cordon off the area, prevent further attacks, and launch an investigation into the cause and perpetrators of the explosion.
While no group has officially claimed responsibility, authorities suspect the involvement of Boko Haram or ISWAP, both of which have a history of carrying out similar attacks in the region.
This marks the first suicide bombing or explosive-related attack in Konduga in nearly a year, breaking a fragile period of relative calm in the once frequently targeted town.
Konduga’s Troubled History
Konduga has been a recurrent target of terror attacks over the past decade due to its proximity to Maiduguri and its strategic location. The town has suffered multiple suicide bombings and insurgent raids, often targeting soft civilian locations like markets, cinemas, and worship centers.
The recent blast is a grim reminder that despite progress made by the military and local security outfits, terror threats persist in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
Government Response Awaited
As of Saturday morning, official statements from the Borno State Government or the Nigerian military were yet to be released. However, security sources confirm that intelligence operations have been activated to track down those behind the deadly bombing.
Residents are being urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to local authorities.
