Lilian Ugwu
No fewer than 20 people, including local loggers and fish farmers, have been killed in a fresh wave of violence blamed on insurgents in Borno State, as renewed attacks continue to threaten already fragile communities in Nigeria’s North-East.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday morning in Hambagda, a community located just a few kilometres from Gwoza town in Gwoza Local Government Area. According to local sources and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), the victims were ambushed in a coordinated attack involving landmines and gunfire, in what residents described as one of the deadliest assaults in recent months.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the attack began at about 11 a.m. when an improvised explosive device (IED), allegedly planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, detonated along a commonly used route on the outskirts of Gwoza. The explosion struck a group of civilians, many of whom had ventured into nearby bushes in search of firewood and fishing opportunities to support their families.
Moments after the explosion, the attackers reportedly opened fire on the survivors, leaving many dead and several others critically injured.
A member of the Civilian Joint Task Force, who spoke under anonymity due to security concerns, described the incident as devastating.
“It is a sad day for us in Gwoza. We lost about 20 innocent people, mostly loggers trying to earn a living. After the explosion, the terrorists started shooting at those who were trying to escape. Several others have sustained gunshot wounds,” the source said.
As of the time of filing this report, at least 18 bodies had been recovered from the surrounding bushes and nearby communities, while search efforts continued for those still missing. Local volunteers and security operatives have been combing the area amid fears that more explosive devices could still be planted along access routes.
Community leaders have warned that the casualty figure could rise significantly, as many victims remain unaccounted for. Families have been thrown into mourning, with survivors recounting scenes of chaos, panic, and helplessness as the attack unfolded.
Residents of Gwoza and neighbouring communities say the latest assault highlights a worrying resurgence of insurgent activities in the region, particularly targeting vulnerable rural populations who rely on farming, fishing, and firewood gathering for survival.
“This is the farming season. People are trying to prepare their lands and gather resources, but now they are living in fear. Nobody knows where is safe anymore,” a resident lamented.
The attackers were reportedly moving through different settlements in what appeared to be coordinated violent raids, further escalating tension across the local government area. Security analysts warn that such attacks are strategically timed to disrupt agricultural activities, deepen food insecurity, and displace rural populations.
Gwoza, once heavily occupied by Boko Haram during the peak of the insurgency, has witnessed intermittent attacks despite repeated military operations and claims of improved security in the region. The use of landmines and ambush tactics, however, continues to pose a major threat to civilians and security forces alike.
Efforts by local vigilante groups, particularly the Civilian Joint Task Force, have played a critical role in supporting the military, but they remain ill-equipped to counter sophisticated attacks involving explosives and coordinated gunfire.
As of press time, security agencies are yet to release an official statement regarding the incident. However, residents are calling for urgent intervention, increased patrols, and proactive measures to secure rural communities, especially as the planting season intensifies.
Humanitarian observers have also expressed concern that continued attacks of this nature could worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in Borno State, where thousands remain displaced and dependent on aid.
For grieving families in Hambagda and Gwoza, the attack is yet another painful reminder of the enduring insecurity that has defined life in the region for over a decade.
As search and rescue efforts continue, hope is fading for those still missing, while anger and fear grow among residents who feel increasingly exposed to relentless violence.
The latest bloodshed underscores a harsh reality: despite years of counterinsurgency efforts, communities in Borno are still paying the ultimate price.