Four killed, 21 injured as suspected IED hits passenger vehicle in Yobe

Four people have reportedly lost their lives while 21 others sustained injuries after a suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded along the Katarko-Goniri Road in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

The tragic incident occurred on Friday as victims, mostly residents of Gotala Community, were on their way to the popular Buniyadi market.

Reports indicate that the vehicle conveying the victims unknowingly ran over the suspected explosive, resulting in a devastating blast. When Channels TV visited Damaturu Specialist Hospital, it was confirmed that the remains of the four deceased had already been taken back to their community for burial, while those injured were receiving treatment at the specialist hospital and the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu.

The Gotala community, which lies at the edge of the Sambisa forest, has faced persistent threats from suspected Boko Haram insurgents for over a decade.

It was also gathered from local sources that earlier on Friday, some vigilantes and military vehicles reportedly hit another buried IED along the same road, causing casualties.

At the time of this report, no official statement had been released by military authorities concerning the incident.

Meanwhile, grieving families of the victims have appealed to the Yobe State Government to urgently reconstruct the dilapidated Katarko-Goniri Road, which they say continues to pose grave danger to both civilians and security personnel stationed at Goniri.

They emphasised that addressing the poor state of the road would help limit the activities of insurgents and safeguard the lives of residents in the affected areas.