Gwoza, Nigeria – At least 18 individuals lost their lives and 30 others sustained injuries in a tragic series of explosions believed to have been carried out by female suicide bombers. The coordinated attacks targeted a wedding, the subsequent funeral of the victims, and a hospital in the town of Gwoza in northeastern Borno state. This devastating incident has once again highlighted the ongoing security challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly in the Borno state region.

President Bola Tinubu has denounced the attacks as “desperate acts of terror” and has vowed to take strong action against those responsible for the senseless violence. Tinubu emphasized that these attacks will not undermine the progress made by the government against jihadist groups. Despite the lack of a clear claim of responsibility, previous attacks in Borno have been attributed to the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents.

The onslaught of violence in Borno state in recent months has left many families devastated, with suicide bombings and improvised explosive devices causing immense harm to civilians. Borno state has long been a hotspot for Boko Haram militant activity, displacing millions of people and claiming tens of thousands of lives. The military has responded by imposing a curfew in the affected areas to maintain order and security.

Amnesty International Nigeria has called for an end to these brutal assaults on civilians, condemning the attacks as a blatant disregard for human life. The organization highlighted the need to protect vulnerable populations from such heinous acts of violence. Gwoza, a town once captured by Boko Haram in 2014 and later reclaimed by Nigerian forces, continues to face threats from the group through frequent attacks and abductions.

The recent attack in Gwoza follows a similar pattern of violence, with militants targeting innocent villagers over disputes such as refusal to pay arbitrary taxes. This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges posed by extremist groups in Nigeria, leaving communities vulnerable and in fear. As authorities work to address the aftermath of the attacks, the residents of Gwoza and the surrounding areas remain on edge, hoping for a lasting peace and security in the region.