IED Kills Borno LG Accountant, Injures Others

An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists has killed Shettima Mustapha, a senior accounting officer in the Education Department of Damboa local government area of Borno State.

The IED also injured others when the vehicle they were travelling in ran over the explosive device.

Sources said the incident took place on Tuesday afternoon when the military and other security operatives were escorting hundreds of motorists and travellers from Damboa to Maiduguri.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the IED explosion occurs barely one month after multiple female suicide bombers killed 42 and injured 100 others in Gwoza local government area of the State.

The Maiduguri-Damboa-Biu Road had remained a death trap following several attacks and killings by the terrorists before the Nigerian military reopened the road, allowing only the people of Damboa and some parts of Chibok to have access to Maiduguri, while Biu people have to ply the Biu-Buni Yadi-Damaturu-Maiduguri Road covering about 300km to reach Maiduguri, the state capital.

Confirming the incident, a close associate of the late Accountant, who spoke on the condition of anonymity said, “I am deeply saddened to inform you of the passing of our beloved accountant, Shettima Mustapha, in a tragic bomb blast on his way from Damboa to Maiduguri today (Tuesday).

“Our hearts are heavy with grief at this loss, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”

Our Correspondent also gathered from reliable sources that the remains of the deceased accountant were laid to rest on Tuesday according to Islamic rites at about 4pm, while the injured ones are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Maiduguri.