A mother and her child were among those killed when a civilian vehicle struck an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, in Sikarkur village, Chibok Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday.
The IED, reportedly intended for military patrols, also left many others injured and caused significant damage to the vehicle and surrounding buildings.
“Yesterday, Boko Haram set a trap bomb on a road in Sikarkur village for soldiers, sadly a civilian vehicle ran over it and killed many people including a mother and her baby. The sister who was with her and others are currently receiving treatment at Chibok General Hospital. This and more are happening her daily and not being reported,” a villager told SaharaReporters.
This tragic incident comes just days after ISWAP launched a brutal attack on two other communities in Chibok, resulting in significant loss of life and the destruction of a church and several homes.
Chibok gained global notoriety in April 2014 when insurgents abducted 276 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Secondary School, an event that shocked the world.
Since the death of Boko Haram leader Abubakar Shekau, ISWAP has significantly expanded its influence in the Lake Chad region, absorbing hundreds of former Boko Haram fighters. The group has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds of thousands and the displacement of millions in northeastern Nigeria.
IEDs and ambushes continue to pose a major threat to both military personnel and civilians in the region. ISWAP’s growing strength and the continued violence highlight the ongoing security challenges faced by the Nigerian government.
