Deadly Attacks in Nigeria: Female Suicide Bombers Kill at Least 18, Say Authorities

Suicide attacks in Gwoza, northeastern Nigeria, claimed the lives of at least 18 individuals on Saturday, Jun. 29th.

During a wedding celebration around 3 p.m., the initial suicide bomber detonated an explosive device, as reported by Barkindo Saidu, the director-general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency.

Following this, another explosion occurred near the General Hospital, with a third attack happening at a funeral service where a female bomber, disguised as a mourner, carried out the attack. The victims included children and pregnant women.

The casualties consisted of men, women, and children, according to the local radio station.

Although no group has claimed responsibility for the assaults, the area of Gwoza in Borno state has been significantly affected by the insurgency launched in 2009 by Boko Haram, an extremist Islamic group.

Originating in the region, Boko Haram has posed a threat to the security of Nigeria and has caused destabilization in the Lake Chad region.

Historically, Boko Haram has employed women and girls in suicide missions, leading to suspicions that some of the many individuals kidnapped over the years may have been coerced into such acts. The resurgence of suicide bombings in Borno raises significant concerns about the region’s security situation.