Tragedy on Katarko-Goniri Road: Suspected C Kills Four, Injures 21 in Yobe State

A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) explosion claimed the lives of at least four civilians and injured 21 others on Friday along the Katarko-Goniri Road in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. The victims were reportedly traveling to the Buniyadi market—a prominent weekly trading hub—when their vehicle triggered the deadly device.

The tragic incident occurred near Gotala, a community located on the outskirts of the Sambisa forest. The area has long been associated with Boko Haram insurgents, who have maintained a violent presence in the region for over a decade.

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According to eyewitness accounts and local reports, the explosion happened early in the morning when a public transport vehicle hit a concealed IED planted on the road. Residents told reporters that vigilantes and military personnel had driven over a similar device along the same route just a day earlier, suggesting the area remains heavily booby-trapped by insurgents.

The remains of the deceased have been transported back to their hometowns for burial rites, while those injured are receiving emergency medical treatment at both the Specialist Hospital and Yobe State University Teaching Hospital in Damaturu.

Insurgency’s Lingering Shadow on Local Life

The Katarko-Goniri road is a lifeline for many communities in southern Yobe, linking several rural settlements to trade centers like Buniyadi. However, the deteriorating state of the road, coupled with its proximity to conflict zones, has made it a frequent target for ambushes and IED attacks.

The Gotala community, where the explosion occurred, is situated just outside Sambisa forest—a known hideout for Boko Haram factions. Residents say the region continues to witness sporadic attacks, despite military operations aimed at flushing out insurgents.

One resident who narrowly escaped the blast shared his experience with local media:

“I was in a car just minutes behind the vehicle that was hit. We heard a loud explosion, and then saw smoke rising. When we rushed to help, we saw the extent of the damage—it was horrific.”

Another source indicated that soldiers and civilian vigilantes using the same road on Thursday had also encountered similar danger, though the military has yet to release an official statement on casualties or their current response efforts.

Calls for Urgent Government Action

In the wake of the attack, grieving families and community leaders are calling on the Yobe State Government to take swift action. They argue that the dilapidated condition of the road, along with the lack of consistent security surveillance, has made it easier for insurgents to plant explosive devices undetected.

“The road is in terrible shape. It’s full of potholes and bushes on the sides—perfect for hiding bombs,” said a relative of one of the deceased. “We’re pleading with the government to prioritize this route. Lives are at stake—civilians, traders, even soldiers.”

Locals have also appealed for a more permanent military checkpoint to be established along the road, particularly near Gotala and other vulnerable communities along the Goniri axis. With this latest attack, fear and tension have risen, threatening to disrupt market activities and limit movement in the region.

No Official Military Response Yet

Despite multiple eyewitness reports and confirmation of casualties, military authorities have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the attack. Security analysts say the silence may be due to ongoing investigations or strategic reasons, though the lack of communication has left many residents anxious and confused.

The attack adds to a growing list of security incidents in Yobe and neighboring Borno State, where insurgents continue to exploit rural roads and isolated communities. It also highlights the broader challenge facing Nigerian security forces as they attempt to secure vast areas of difficult terrain with limited manpower and resources.

As of now, humanitarian workers and emergency responders remain on high alert, while local vigilante groups have intensified patrols in coordination with security agencies.

The Yobe State Government has yet to comment publicly on whether it will initiate road rehabilitation or deploy additional troops to secure the area. Until then, residents fear that the path to Buniyadi—and other vital parts of the state—may remain a perilous journey.