Tragedy struck on Monday along the Damboa–Maiduguri highway as two staff members of the Damboa Local Education Authority (LEA) lost their lives in a deadly bomb explosion suspected to have been orchestrated by insurgents.
The victims, Blessings Luka and Gideon Bitterleaf, were reportedly en route from Damboa to Maiduguri when their vehicle, a Toyota Hiace van transporting mangoes, triggered an improvised explosive device (IED) planted along the road.
Eyewitnesses informed Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, that the two deceased were seated in front of the van when the device detonated, killing them on the spot and injuring several others in the vehicle.
The blast reignited fears over the security of travellers along the Damboa–Maiduguri corridor, a route that has witnessed several attacks in recent years attributed to insurgent activities.
A local official from Damboa Local Government confirmed the incident and the identities of the deceased, describing them as “committed and hardworking” education officers who had dedicated their lives to serving their community.
“Their loss is a huge blow to the education sector in Damboa. These were individuals who showed up for duty even under extremely difficult circumstances,” the source said.
Following the attack, security operatives cordoned off the area, launching a full-scale investigation aimed at tracking down the perpetrators of the heinous act.
The resurgence of such attacks underscores the persistent insecurity in parts of Borno State, despite ongoing military operations aimed at stabilizing the region.
As families mourn the victims, education stakeholders and residents continue to call for enhanced security measures along major highways to protect civilians and critical service providers.
