Two local government education authority workers have been killed by a landmine planted by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The incident took place on Monday along the Maiduguri- Damboa -Biu 185km road.
The incident occurred less than a few hours after the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 15, Kenechukwu Onwuemelie, convened an emergency security stakeholders’ meeting in Maiduguri to address rising security threats, including isolated attacks, banditry, kidnapping, and unregulated movement of people and goods in Borno State.
A source said, “The tragic loss of two dedicated staff members of the Damboa Educational Local Authority is very worrisome.
“They lost their lives in an improvised explosive device explosion along the Damboa to Maiduguri highway on May 12, 2025, after a Toyota vehicle, which conveyed them with fresh mango fruit heading to Maiduguri, ran over the planted landmines.
“This heartbreaking incident occurred as they were traveling to Maiduguri to sit for the TRCN examination scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025. What was meant to be a journey of professional advancement turned into a devastating tragedy that has shaken the entire community.”
The source said the victims were class teachers in their respective schools.
“Blessing Luka served at Junior Day New School in Damboa, while Bitaleaf Gedion served at Junior Day Secondary School (UBE) Islamiya, Damboa.
“Their untimely deaths are not only a great loss to the educational sector in Damboa but also a stark reminder of the ongoing insecurity that continues to affect our region,” the source lamented.
The District Head of Damboa, Alhaji Zanna Lawan Maina, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on the phone, where he also appealed for all and sundry to continue offering prayers for peace to reign in Borno and the country as a whole.
Reacting to the development, the lawmaker representing the district, Senator Ali Ndume, described the renewed attacks as shocking, stressing the need for the Federal Government and the security agencies to wake up from their slumber.
He said, “Let me reiterate that the military must be trained, equipped, armed, and motivated t
