In yet another chilling reminder of the persistent insecurity in Nigeria’s Northeast, a suspected Boko Haram suicide bomber unleashed horror on Friday night at a bustling evening fish market in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, killing at least 10 innocent civilians and leaving several others severely injured.
The gruesome attack, which occurred during peak commercial hours, sent shockwaves across the region. According to eyewitnesses, the attacker, disguised as a civilian shopper, infiltrated the crowded market and detonated an explosive device in the midst of unsuspecting traders and patrons.
“The bomber was dressed like everyone else. No one suspected a thing until the deafening explosion tore through the market,” said one of the survivors, who narrowly escaped with minor injuries.
Makama, a local security operative, confirmed that the assailant also perished in the blast. “The suicide bomber mingled with the crowd before detonating the device. The explosion resulted in 10 confirmed fatalities, while seven others were critically injured,” he stated.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos and devastation, with victims’ bodies strewn across the market, blood staining the ground, and survivors crying for help amid the acrid stench of smoke and burning goods. The explosive impact left stalls and structures mangled, with goods scattered in the aftermath.
In the wake of the explosion, troops of the Nigerian Army, alongside emergency response units, swiftly arrived at the scene. The injured were promptly evacuated to nearby medical facilities, where they are currently receiving treatment. Military personnel have since cordoned off the area to forestall any follow-up attacks and conduct a thorough sweep for secondary devices.
Security experts believe the attack is the latest desperate tactic by Boko Haram insurgents, who continue to target soft civilian areas to instill fear and disrupt local economic life. The Konduga axis, located just a short drive from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, has remained a vulnerable flashpoint despite ongoing military operations in the region.
As residents mourn their dead and count their losses, the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the continued threat posed by terrorism in Nigeria’s Northeast—and the urgent need for intensified counter-insurgency efforts to secure civilian lives and livelihoods.
PIONEER NEWS 