Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
No fewer than eight persons were killed on Monday after suspected terrorists detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) along Luma Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, in a coordinated attack that has left several communities cut off.
The attackers also destroyed the strategic Luma–Babana–Agwara bridge, a critical link for residents and traders heading to the busy Babana border market, effectively crippling movement and economic activities in the area.
According to local sources, the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Monday, appeared to be a premeditated operation aimed at isolating the affected communities.
“Around 5 a.m., the bandits stormed Borgu and bombed the Luma–Babana bridge,” a source, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed.
“With the bridge gone, villagers can no longer access neighbouring communities, especially the Babana Monday Market, which is a major source of livelihood.”
The situation worsened as the attackers reportedly planted and detonated additional explosives at multiple junctions, including between Rafingiwa and Babana, as well as Woro and Kaiama, triggering panic and forcing residents to flee en masse.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Borgu Local Government Area, Alhaji Mohammed Nasir Abdullahi, said authorities were still assessing the scale of the destruction and casualties.
“There was an attack by bandits, and a bridge was damaged. We have deployed teams to the area to ascertain the full extent of the situation,” he said.
The latest assault underscores growing concerns over the increasing sophistication of armed groups in the region, particularly their use of explosives to target infrastructure and disrupt local economies.
