No fewer than 20 persons, including fish farmers and wood loggers, have been killed following a landmine explosion suspected to have been planted by Boko Haram insurgents in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the incident reportedly occurred around 11 am on Thursday at Hambagda, a resettled village located a few kilometres from Gwoza town.
Local sources that spoke to Leadership said the victims had gone into nearby bush areas when the explosion occurred.
A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force described the attack as devastating.
He said, “It is a sad day for us in Gwoza town, we lost about 20 loggers and several others sustained gunshot wounds.”
He added that the attackers planted improvised explosive devices along the route before opening fire on civilians.
“The terrorists planted improvised explosive devices… after the explosions, they fired at the helpless civilians,” the source said.
Another source said many of the victims were farmers and firewood gatherers preparing their land ahead of the rainy season.
The attack, according to residents, occurred while they were engaged in routine livelihood activities.
A community source confirmed that at least 18 bodies had been recovered, warning that the number of casualties could increase as several persons remain unaccounted for.
Residents said the attackers appeared to be moving through the area in a series of raids, heightening fears among communities.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of farmers and rural dwellers, especially as the planting season approaches.