Tragedy has once again struck along the volatile Maiduguri-Damboa highway, as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded earlier today, Saturday afternoon, reportedly claiming the lives of about eight persons.

Eyewitness accounts suggest the deadly blast, suspected to be the handiwork of Boko Haram insurgents, tore through a commuter “Hummer bus” ferrying passengers towards the Borno State capital, Maiduguri.

A reliable source who spoke with our correspondent on the ground confirmed that at least seven individuals, including the driver of the ill-fated vehicle, were among those feared dead in the devastating explosion.

The Maiduguri-Damboa road remains a crucial artery connecting Maiduguri metropolis to Damboa Local Government Area and other southern Borno communities. 

This latest incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security threats confronting commuters traversing this vital route.

Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement on the incident at the time of filing this report. However, this tragedy will undoubtedly raise further concerns about the safety of travel in the region and the ongoing fight against insurgency in the Northeast.