A devastating suicide bombing occurred on Friday night in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, resulting in the deaths of no fewer than 24 persons and leaving several others injured. The Borno Police Command spokesperson, ASP Nahun Daso, confirmed on Saturday that the improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated by a female suicide bomber at a crowded food joint. The attacker specifically targeted residents who had gathered in large numbers to purchase food, turning a routine gathering into a scene of tragedy.

The attack, which took place around 10:00 p.m. in Konduga town, located approximately 36 kilometers from Maiduguri, the state capital, saw the female assailant enter the popular food spot before triggering the explosive. Both men and women were among the 24 confirmed fatalities. The sheer force of the blast severely dismembered the suicide bomber's body, with only her head being recovered from the scene.

Following the incident, a joint response team was swiftly deployed to the site. This team comprised personnel from the Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (EOD-CBRN) Unit, the Military, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters. The area was immediately cordoned off and thoroughly searched for any other potential explosive devices, but no additional threats were found.

The injured victims were promptly evacuated to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) to receive urgent medical treatment. The remains of the deceased were also transported to the hospital mortuary, where medical personnel on duty officially confirmed their deaths. Efforts are currently underway to profile the victims and contact their relatives for proper identification and burial, in accordance with their religious practices.

In the wake of the attack, security measures have been significantly reinforced in Konduga and its surrounding communities. This increased security presence aims to prevent any further attacks and restore public confidence. While the specific motive behind this particular attack remains unclear, similar incidents in the North-East region have previously been linked to insurgent groups operating in the area.