Authorities in northern Nigeria have reported that female suicide bombers carried out coordinated attacks targeting a wedding, a funeral, and a hospital, resulting in the deaths of at least 18 people. The attacks took place in Borno state, a region heavily affected by the insurgency launched by Boko Haram in 2009. The extremist group has a history of using women and girls in suicide bombings, raising suspicions that some of the attackers may have been among the thousands of people kidnapped by the militants over the years, including schoolchildren.
The first attack occurred during a marriage celebration in the northeastern town of Gwoza. Barkindo Saidu, director-general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency, informed reporters that the initial explosion was followed by another blast near General Hospital. The third attack took place at a funeral service, where the bomber was disguised as a mourner. Among the victims were children and pregnant women. At least 30 others were wounded, with injuries ranging from abdominal ruptures to skull fractures.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks, describing them as “desperate acts of terror” and “an isolated episode.” The insurgency in the region has claimed more than 35,000 lives, displaced 2.6 million people, and created a significant humanitarian crisis. Boko Haram, which has a faction allied with the Islamic State group, aims to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria, a country of 170 million people divided almost equally between a predominantly Christian south and a mainly Muslim north.
The resurgence of suicide bombings in Borno has raised serious concerns about the security situation in the region. Authorities have imposed a curfew in the city, and the community remains on high alert following reports of another suspected bomber in Pulka, a town just over a mile from Gwoza. Gwoza is located near Chibok, where 276 schoolgirls were abducted in 2014. Nearly 100 of those girls are still in captivity. Since then, at least 1,500 students have been kidnapped across Nigeria as armed groups increasingly use the practice to fund their criminal activities and exert control over villages.
Saidu mentioned that the injuries sustained by the victims included abdominal ruptures and skull and limb fractures. He also stated that he was coordinating for a helicopter to assist with the emergency response and had mobilized emergency drugs to address the shortage of medical supplies in Gwoza.
The attacks have not been claimed by any group so far, but the use of female suicide bombers and the location of the attacks point to Boko Haram’s involvement. The extremist group has a history of using women and girls in such attacks, often forcing them into the role after kidnapping them. The violence has spilled over into neighboring countries around Lake Chad, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The coordinated nature of the attacks and the choice of targets— a wedding, a funeral, and a hospital— highlight the ruthlessness of the perpetrators. The community in Gwoza is now grappling with the aftermath of the attacks, with many families mourning the loss of their loved ones and others dealing with severe injuries.
The Nigerian government and international organizations have been working to address the security challenges posed by Boko Haram and other armed groups in the region. However, the recent attacks underscore the ongoing threat and the need for continued vigilance and support for affected communities.
The use of female suicide bombers is a particularly troubling tactic, as it exploits societal norms and expectations about women and girls. It also highlights the brutal methods employed by Boko Haram to achieve their goals, including the abduction and exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
As the community in Gwoza and the broader region of Borno state continue to recover from these devastating attacks, there is a pressing need for increased security measures and support for the victims. The international community must also remain engaged in efforts to combat the insurgency and address the underlying issues that contribute to the violence.
The coordinated attacks in Gwoza serve as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Nigeria in its fight against extremism. The resilience of the affected communities and the efforts of local authorities and emergency responders are crucial in the aftermath of such tragedies. However, long-term solutions will require a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate security concerns and the broader socio-economic factors that fuel the insurgency.
Source: Associated Press
