12 loggers have lost their lives near the Cameroon border in Borno state when their vehicle struck a landmine suspected to be planted by Boko Haram jihadists.
The victims, en route to collect firewood, faced the lethal explosion outside Pulka village on Monday.
Reports from two NGOs operating in the region detailed the tragic event, indicating that the suspected Boko Haram militants strategically planted the explosive, resulting in 12 fatalities and multiple injuries along the Pulka to Gwoza route.
A surge in mine explosions targeting civilian convoys has been observed recently, with blame directed at jihadists.
The injured loggers, including three in critical condition, have been evacuated to Maiduguri for medical attention.
The security forces are yet to confirm the blast. Gwoza, once seized by Boko Haram in 2014, remains an area of concern as the insurgents continue to target nearby villages.
The region’s residents have sought refuge in Gwoza and Pulka, residing in camps under military protection.
Troops conduct patrols to deter militants from harming residents venturing into the bush, particularly women collecting acacia fruits and firewood.
Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province frequently target loggers, farmers, and herders, accusing them of collaborating with anti-jihadist forces.
Since the start of the insurgency in 2009, over 40,000 lives have been lost, and more than two million people have been displaced.
The violence has spread across borders, leading to the formation of a regional military force to combat the militant groups.
