National Telescope national telescope newspaper
At least 16 people are feared dead, with 20 others injured, after a commercial vehicle traveling along the Baga-Kukawa Road in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State hit an improvised explosive device believed to have been planted by the ISWAP terrorist group.
A renowned security analyst, Zagazola Makama,in the Lake Chad region was informed by reliable military intelligence sources about the incident, which took place on Wednesday, April 17th.
Makama initially stated that 10 people were feared dead, but reliable sources have revealed that the actual number of casualties is at least 16.
7Div spokesman, Lt Col Ajemusu Jingina, said, “I will not comment on the incident, as the location falls under the jurisdiction of the Multi-National Joint Task Force, which is headquartered in Ndjamena, Chad Republic.”
However, a resident of Baga, Bukar Wakil, disclosed that, “We heard that the IED was planted with the intent of killing troops, but the unfortunate commercial vehicle drove over it before any military vehicle did, killing about 16 people and injuring about 20, mainly passers-by.”
Maiduguri-based security expert Abdullahi Abubakar expressed worry about the return of ISWAP’s irregular attacks in the Lake Chad region.“
You should look at the current resurgence of attacks from three angles,” he told The Punch.“
One, troops have claimed degrading Boko Haram to virtual non-existence; two, ISWAP, a rival of Boko Haram, has invaded the Chad basin, not only unleashing terror but attempting to crush Boko Haram in incessant battles for supremacy; and three, ISWAP wants to show the Nigerian military that they are very much around and are very much uncrushable.”
“Until troops completely crush ISWAP, the terrorist group will never, in my view, allow Chad Basin to rest.“
This explains the sporadic attacks, especially in Northern Borno.”
