Tragedy struck in Borno State as at least seven loggers were reported killed and several others injured when their vehicle hit landmines in the Konduga Local Government Area.
The incident occurred around 11 a.m. on Saturday, between Masunfanari and Dogo Wire village along the Maiduguri/Damboa road.
Sources said that a pickup truck encountered an improvised explosive device (IED) reportedly planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents.
“At least seven individuals died on the spot, and others sustained injuries. The firewood sellers were en route to gather firewood when the explosion occurred in the early hours of Saturday. The pickup van was destroyed,” the source stated.
Eyewitness Bukar Modu recounted that he saw seven bodies taken to the Sulumari area near Masinrimari in the state capital before burial.
“The funeral for the victims was held at the Masinrimari area in Maiduguri around 4 p.m. following Islamic traditions. Seven people were killed, including the driver and several firewood sellers,” Modu reported.
Attempts to contact the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Nahum Kenneth Daso, were unsuccessful.