Bomb attack kills eight passengers in northeast Nigeria
- A roadside bomb explosion in Borno state, Nigeria, killed eight people and injured many others.
- The attack occurred on Saturday along the Damboa-Maiduguri highway, an area affected by violence.
- Residents are left in fear as the insurgency continues, despite security efforts to combat the extremists.
On Saturday in northeastern Nigeria, a passenger bus was the target of a roadside bomb explosion, resulting in the deaths of eight individuals and injuries to more than a dozen others. The incident occurred along the Damboa-Maiduguri highway, a notable area within Borno state, which has faced ongoing violence from militant groups. The bomb was reportedly planted by Islamic extremists, specifically associated with the Boko Haram group, which has been entrenched in the region since it began a violent uprising in 2009. This conflict is marked as the longest ongoing instance of militancy in Africa, having caused widespread havoc not only in Nigeria but also spilling over into neighboring countries. The United Nations has indicated that approximately 35,000 civilians have lost their lives due to the violence, with more than 2 million people displaced as a direct consequence of the insurgency. While security operations have pushed Boko Haram fighters into remote areas, the group continues to execute ambushes and attacks, particularly targeting communities where governmental forces are outmatched. This most recent bombing highlights the persistent fear and insecurity felt by residents and those traveling in the state, as memories of violence loom large and safety continues to be a significant concern for locals and authorities alike.