In under a month, Boko Haram terrorists operating along the Bassa and Allawa areas of Shiroro Local Government Area in Niger State have planted at least four explosives, resulting in the deaths of three locals and injuries to four others,Premium Times reports.
Three of these incidents occurred on Thursday, killing two people and injuring four.
Three siblings—Mali, Nehemiah, and Jona—were walking to their farm from Bassa village when they stepped on an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by the terrorists. One of the siblings, a minor, lost a leg, while the other two sustained injuries. While local reports indicated four people were injured and receiving treatment at IBB Specialist Hospital in Minna, a hospital staff member noted seeing only three victims, including the boy who underwent an amputation.
ALSO READ: US Airstrike Kills Islamic State Leader Abu Yusif In Syria
The incident took place along the Bassa-Gwadara road. According to an artisanal miner familiar with the area, the event occurred around 7 a.m. “A bread seller on a motorcycle witnessed the injured siblings and went to get help,” the miner recounted. “However, as he returned with rescuers, his motorcycle hit another IED, killing him instantly and injuring one of the rescuers.”
Later that day, another explosion occurred around 4 p.m., according to Yusuf Shapa, a youth leader in Bassa.
The third incident happened along the Tudun Baturiya-Erena road, where another victim stepped on an explosive while fleeing Bassa to Erena on a motorcycle.
Previous Incidents
On December 7, an IED along the Bassa-Unguwar Usman road claimed the life of Isiyaku Gambo, who was torn apart by the blast.
Between February and December of this year, there have been at least six IED attacks in the area. One such attack in February forced the military to withdraw troops from Allawa garrison town after two newly deployed soldiers were killed by explosives.
Boko Haram insurgents are believed to be camping in the Maganda and Kugu areas of the Allawa forest reserve. This forest connects two other terror-stricken reserves: Kamuku National Park in Kaduna State and Kwiambana Forest in Zamfara State.
In 2021, former Niger State Governor Abubakar Sani Bello raised concerns about Boko Haram hoisting their flag in Kaure village, Shiroro LGA. The group has continued to establish a presence in places like Kurebe and other areas within the LGA.
From their base in Allawa forest, the insurgents launch attacks on civilians, security personnel, and vigilantes, further destabilizing the region.
Government Response
Efforts to reach Abdullahi Garba, Niger State’s Commissioner for Homeland Security, for comments on measures to address Boko Haram’s activities in the state were unsuccessful, as he had not responded to inquiries by the time of reporting.
