AT least 20 people, including fish farmers and wood loggers, have been killed in a fresh attack in Borno State after a landmine suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram terrorists exploded on the outskirts of Gwoza Local Government Area.
Local sources told News Point Nigeria that the incident occurred around 11am on Thursday in Hambagda, a resettled village located a few kilometres from Gwoza town.
The victims were said to have been carrying out routine livelihood activities when the explosion occurred, leaving several others injured.
According to a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), some of the victims were loggers who had ventured into the bush to gather firewood to support their families.
“It is a sad day for us in Gwoza town. We lost about 20 loggers and several others sustained gunshot wounds. The terrorists planted improvised explosive devices (IEDs) on the route and after the explosions, they opened fire on the helpless civilians,” the source said.
Another source narrated that many of the victims were farmers and individuals who had gone into nearby bush areas to prepare their farmlands ahead of the upcoming rainy season.
A local resident who confirmed the incident said that at least 18 bodies had so far been recovered from communities surrounding Gwoza town.
The source warned that the death toll could increase, as several people remain unaccounted for following the attack.
Residents also reported that the assailants appeared to be moving through the area in a series of violent raids, heightening fears of renewed insecurity in rural communities.
The latest incident has sparked fresh concerns over the safety of farmers and rural dwellers, particularly as the planting season approaches in the region.
