The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has taken responsibility for the bomb explosion that killed 26 travellers in Borno State.
According to a report by Reuters, the terror group announced the attack through a statement posted on its Telegram channel on Tuesday, April 29.
The deadly incident occurred around 12:00 p.m. on Monday when an improvised explosive device (IED), allegedly planted by the group, detonated under a moving Isuzu pickup van travelling from Kala-Balge to Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area. The explosion happened near Furunduma village.
ASP Nahum Daso, spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, confirmed the incident to Punch, stating that the blast claimed the lives of 26 individuals, comprising 16 men, four women, and six children.
“Earlier today at about 12:00 p.m., an Isuzu pickup van with registration number XA265KKU en route from Kala-Balge to Gamboru Ngala stepped on an IED around Furunduma village. The tragic incident led to the death of 26 persons—16 males, four females, and six children,” Daso said.
He added that the driver and two other passengers sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
This latest bombing occurred just 16 days after a similar attack on the Maiduguri–Damboa Road, which killed eight people and left 11 others seriously injured when a passenger bus hit an IED.
