Borno Horror: 34 Killed in Twin Suicide Bombings in Northeastern Nigeria
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At least 34 people have been reportedly killed in two separate suicide bomb attacks in Borno State within a span of hours, highlighting once again the persistent security crisis plaguing Nigeria’s North East region. The incidents, which occurred late Friday, June 20, 2025, targeted a bustling fish market and a popular food joint in the Konduga area, near Maiduguri, the state capital.
The attacks—carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, including a female suicide bomber—have sent shockwaves through the region and drawn renewed scrutiny over the Nigerian government’s counter-insurgency efforts.
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Two Bombings, Dozens Dead
The first explosion occurred at a crowded fish market in Konduga Local Government Area, where a suicide bomber, disguised as a civilian, detonated an explosive device around nightfall. According to multiple sources, 10 civilians were killed instantly, and 7 others sustained varying degrees of injury. The bomber also died in the blast. Emergency services and security forces swiftly responded, evacuating the injured to a nearby medical facility and securing the scene.
Just hours later, around 10:00 p.m., a second bombing struck a popular food joint in Konduga town, approximately 36 kilometers southeast of Maiduguri. This time, the assailant was a female suicide bomber who detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) among unsuspecting diners. At least 24 people lost their lives, while several others were injured, some critically. Authorities confirmed the attacker’s identity through remains recovered at the scene.
The two attacks occurred in close proximity and timeframe but are believed to be distinct incidents, based on detailed field reports and the deployment timelines of emergency services.
Security Response and Ongoing Investigations
Security personnel, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) units, and local Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives, were mobilized in response to the carnage. The Nigerian military, along with police tactical squads and hunters, conducted area sweeps for secondary devices and assisted in body recovery and evacuation efforts.
The injured victims from both blasts were transported to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) for emergency treatment. Authorities confirmed that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the UMTH morgue, pending identification and religious burials.
Local officials and humanitarian responders are currently engaged in victim profiling and survivor support, as residents grapple with the traumatic aftermath of the attacks.
Confusion Over Casualty Figures Resolved
Initial confusion arose regarding the number of casualties, particularly at the food joint. Early reports suggested as few as 10 deaths, but later and more comprehensive updates confirmed that 24 people were killed in the second bombing alone. The discrepancy appears to have stemmed from chaotic early assessments and delayed access for emergency crews.
Reliable news sources have now consistently reported the casualty figures, helping clarify the timeline and magnitude of the attacks.
Boko Haram’s Shadow Still Looms
While no group has formally claimed responsibility, security analysts and officials point to Boko Haram or its offshoot ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) as the likely perpetrators. The group has a long history of using female suicide bombers in crowded public spaces across the North-East.
The latest attacks underscore the enduring threat posed by extremist groups in Borno, despite claims by the government of progress in the fight against insurgency.
Over the past decade, tens of thousands have died, and millions have been displaced due to insurgent violence in the region. According to independent conflict tracking data, over 10,000 violent deaths were recorded across Nigeria between May 2023 and May 2025, with Borno remaining one of the most affected states.
National and International Reaction Expected
Although no official statement had been released by President Bola Tinubu’s office at the time of reporting, calls for accountability and stronger security guarantees are already emerging from civil society groups and citizens on social media.
The tragic events in Konduga serve as a grim reminder that despite counterterrorism gains, the threat of insurgent violence remains deeply rooted in northeastern Nigeria. With at least 34 lives lost in a single night, families are mourning, communities are shaken, and a nation is once again confronted with the urgent need for sustainable peace and effective security reforms.
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