At least ten people were confirmed dead and seven others injured following a suicide bombing on Friday night at a bustling fish market in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security and eyewitness sources reported that the suspected bomber—believed to be affiliated with Boko Haram—detonated an explosive device during peak trading hours, causing panic and bloodshed at the popular evening market.
The attacker, disguised as a civilian, blended in with the crowd before detonating the explosives strapped to his body.
“The suicide bomber also died in the blast,” said Major Sani Makama, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Army’s operations in the northeast. “Nigerian Army troops and emergency response teams were immediately deployed to the scene, and the injured victims were evacuated to a nearby medical facility for treatment.”
The explosion happened when the market was at its busiest, with local traders and residents exchanging goods and preparing for the weekend. The attack caused chaos, with thick smoke rising into the night sky and people fleeing the scene in all directions.
Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene of destruction. “We heard a loud bang and saw people lying on the ground, bleeding,” said Musa Ibrahim, a fruit seller who escaped unhurt. “Some were crying, others were silent. It was like a nightmare.”
Within minutes, Nigerian troops cordoned off the area to prevent further attacks and to begin search operations for possible accomplices.
Security analysts believe the attack could be part of a renewed wave of terrorism by insurgent groups trying to reassert their presence in the region. Konduga, which lies just 25 kilometers southeast of Maiduguri, has suffered several deadly attacks over the years.
Local officials have yet to release the names of the deceased, but a hospital source confirmed that seven survivors with varying degrees of injuries are receiving medical care. Some of the victims are said to be in critical condition.
“The attack is a tragic reminder that terrorism remains a real threat to peace and stability in Borno and the broader Lake Chad region,” said Dr. Aisha Goni, a Maiduguri-based conflict researcher. “While military operations have reduced the frequency of attacks, these isolated bombings still claim innocent lives.”
The incident has sparked anger and renewed calls for the government to intensify security patrols around civilian gathering areas.
“Markets and public places need better protection. We cannot continue to lose lives this way,” said Mallam Ibrahim Modu, a community elder in Konduga.
No group has officially claimed responsibility, but authorities suspect it is the work of a faction of Boko Haram known for targeting crowded civilian locations with suicide bombers.
The federal government is yet to comment on the latest incident, but local leaders and humanitarian groups have condemned the attack and called for immediate security reinforcements in vulnerable communities.
As the town mourns its dead, there are growing fears of more attacks in the region. Vigilance and intelligence sharing among residents and security agencies are being emphasized to prevent future tragedies.
