Nigerians Mourning Landmine Victims
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
ABUJA (Worthy News) – Residents in northeastern Nigeria were mourning Monday after at least eight bus passengers were killed over the weekend by a landmine that authorities said was likely placed there by “terrorist group Boko Haram.”
The bus was traveling on the road in Borno State, where many mines have been planted in the past, likely by the “terrorist group Boko Haram,” security sources said.
Seven injured people were rushed to the intensive care unit of a hospital in the state capital, Maiduguri, following the tragedy at the Maiduguri-Damboa Road, explained Governor Babagana Zulum.
Fourteen people sustained minor injuries in the incident, the governor added.
The road where the mine exploded cuts through the notorious Sambisa Forest, which has long been a hotspot for Boko Haram activity, Nigerians said. The area was previously closed to civilian traffic for several years due to repeated insurgent attacks, Worthy News learned.
Landmines are regularly discovered in the northeastern region, where Boko Haram remains active, adding to dangers for Christian farmers and other believers, several sources confirmed.
SOLDIERS KILLED
Last year, at least seven soldiers were killed when a landmine exploded on a highway in the same area, according to officials.
Seven other travelers were taken to the intensive care unit of a hospital in the capital, Maiduguri, while 14 people sustained minor injuries in the incident, according to Governor Babagana Zulum.
Usman Idi, a traveler from Damboa town in Borno, saw “a heavy movement” of military personnel towards the incident scene shortly after the blast.
“Yes, we saw the vehicle with the remains of the commercial bus that rammed into landmines buried by Boko Haram at Gidan Kaji, some 30 kilometers (19 miles) away from Damboa town,” Idi added in published remarks.
While visiting survivors in the hospital, Zulum said the government would pay the bills of those injured. The governor urged security agencies “to intensify” efforts in combating insurgency and securing significant roads across the state.
Last year, at least seven soldiers were killed after a mine exploded on a highway in Borno State.
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