Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

3 minutes read. Updated 11:00AM GMT Mon, July 1, 2024

A tragic series of attacks involving suspected female suicide bombers has resulted in the deaths of at least 18 people in Borno State, Nigeria. This incident, occurring during various public gatherings, has shocked the local community and highlights ongoing security challenges in the region.

According to Barkindo Saidu, Director-General of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, the first attack took place around 3 p.m. during a marriage celebration. “Minutes later, another blast occurred near General Hospital,” Saidu reported. The third attack was particularly harrowing, as a female bomber disguised as a mourner detonated an explosive device during a funeral service. Among the casualties were children and pregnant women.

The victims of these attacks included adult males, females, and children, as confirmed by local radio stations. Although no group has claimed responsibility, the attacks bear the hallmarks of Boko Haram, an Islamic extremist group notorious for its insurgency in Borno State since 2009. This group has previously employed women and girls in suicide bombings, raising suspicions that the perpetrators might include those kidnapped by Boko Haram over the years.

The resurgence of such attacks in Borno State is deeply concerning, signaling potential escalations in violence and insecurity in the Lake Chad region. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, as the implications extend beyond Nigeria’s borders, affecting regional stability and security.

For more information on the history and impact of Boko Haram, read our in-depth analysis here.

Keywords: Nigeria, Borno State, Boko Haram, suicide bombers, insurgency, security

For further reading on similar incidents and security issues in Africa, check out these articles:

  • The Rise of Extremism in West Africa
  • Impact of Boko Haram on Local Communities

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