Eko Hot Blog reports In a tragic incident near the border with Cameroon, at least 12 loggers lost their lives in Borno state, northeast Nigeria, when their vehicle struck a landmine.
The area is known for Boko Haram jihadist activity, and the incident occurred on Monday as the loggers were en route to collect firewood, according to reports from two NGOs working in the region.
The vehicle, a flat-bed truck transporting the loggers, rolled over a suspected Boko Haram-planted landmine on the highway outside Pulka village, leading to the devastating loss of lives.
The tragic event highlights the persistent threat faced by civilians in rural areas, even as security forces have made efforts to push back jihadists from previously held territories.
One of the reports stated, “Men suspected to be Boko Haram… planted explosive… and killed 12 people while many were injured along Pulka to Gwoza route.”
Another report corroborated the toll, indicating that seven other loggers sustained injuries, with three in critical condition evacuated to Maiduguri for further medical attention.
The Nigerian security forces have not yet responded to requests for confirmation of the incident. Recently, there has been a surge in mine explosions targeting civilian convoys, and such attacks have been attributed to jihadist groups.
Gwoza, seized by Boko Haram in July 2014, served as the headquarters of their self-proclaimed caliphate. While Nigerian troops retook Gwoza in March 2015, jihadists continue to launch raids from mountain hideouts along the border with Cameroon.
The affected area has seen residents flee to Gwoza and Pulka for safety, residing in camps under military protection. Troops conduct patrols in the region to deter militants from targeting residents who venture into the bush for daily activities, such as collecting acacia fruits and firewood.
Both Boko Haram and the rival Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have a history of targeting civilians, including loggers, farmers, and herders, accusing them of spying on behalf of security forces and anti-jihadist militias.
The insurgency, which began in 2009, has claimed over 40,000 lives and displaced more than two million people. The conflict has also spilled into neighboring countries, leading to the creation of a regional military force to combat the militants.
The Nigerian security forces are yet to respond to inquiries, and the situation underscores the ongoing threat posed by Boko Haram in the region.
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