In a tragic turn of events, the town of Gwoza in Borno State was plunged into mourning after a series of coordinated suicide bombings killed 18 people and injured numerous others. The attacks, carried out by female suicide bombers, targeted a wedding, a funeral, and the General Hospital in the area, leaving a trail of devastation and sorrow.
The Attack
The first explosion occurred at a wedding ceremony in the bustling Marrarraban Gwoza motor park. Eyewitnesses reported that a young woman, who appeared to be a guest, detonated an improvised explosive device (IED), causing instant deaths and numerous injuries. The Borno State Commissioner of Police, Yusuf Lawal, confirmed that at least six people were killed initially, with 15 others rushed to the hospital.
Buba, an eyewitness, recounted how the joyous celebration was abruptly transformed into a scene of horror. “We heard a loud explosion, followed by dust and debris. Bodies were strewn on the ground,” he said. The suicide bomber, identified as a young mother, had concealed the explosive device while carrying a baby on her back.
Shortly after the first explosion, as families and friends gathered to mourn the deceased at a funeral, another female bomber, disguised as a mourner, detonated a second IED, causing more casualties. This secondary attack compounded the tragedy, as those gathered to pay their respects became victims themselves.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) reported that in total, 18 people, including children and pregnant women, were killed across the multiple blasts. Director-General Dr. Barkindo Saibu detailed the aftermath, noting that the injuries ranged from abdominal ruptures to skull and limb fractures. Emergency responders were quick to mobilize, providing critical medical care and transporting severely injured individuals to the State Specialist Hospital in Maiduguri.
Government and Military Response
The acting Governor of Borno State, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, visited the victims at the hospital, announcing that the state government would cover all medical expenses. During his visit, he emphasized the need for heightened vigilance among the populace to prevent further attacks. He also acknowledged the relative peace previously enjoyed in the state, which may have contributed to a lapse in vigilance.
Senator Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate and a native of Gwoza, expressed deep sorrow over the attacks. He called on the military to intensify their efforts to prevent such incidents in the future. Ndume stressed the importance of increased surveillance and security measures to protect vulnerable communities from insurgent attacks.
Continued Threat
These attacks underscore the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in Borno State. The ability of these groups to orchestrate such devastating attacks, particularly using vulnerable individuals as bombers, highlights the complex security challenges faced by the region. The military has since imposed a curfew in Gwoza to facilitate thorough investigations and prevent further incidents.
The people of Gwoza, while mourning their losses, are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities. The community’s resilience will be crucial in the ongoing fight against terrorism and in ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.
As Borno State continues to grapple with the aftermath of these attacks, the collective resolve of its people and the efforts of security forces will be essential in restoring peace and stability to the region.
