Deadly bomb attack rocks northeast Nigeria, killing 19 in Kawuri

A devastating bomb explosion at a teahouse in Kawuri village, Borno State, northeast Nigeria, has left 19 people dead and at least 27 others injured. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening, is one of the deadliest incidents in the region in recent years. This explosion comes amid a period where jihadist violence had reportedly been declining in the northeast.

Details of the attack

The blast struck around 8:00 PM local time at a popular tea joint in Kawuri, approximately 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the state capital, Maiduguri. Ibrahim Liman, a member of an anti-jihadist militia working alongside the army, confirmed the tragic toll, stating that 19 bodies had been recovered along with 27 injured individuals. Two other militiamen corroborated these details. The injured have been transported to hospitals in Maiduguri for treatment.

Security response and implications

In response to the attack, the Borno State governor declared a 24-hour curfew to maintain order and security. This decision came amidst nationwide protests in Nigeria over a rising cost of living crisis, which saw demonstrations in major cities including Abuja and Maiduguri.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the Kawuri blast. However, both Boko Haram and its rival, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), are known to operate in Borno State. Despite a recent decrease in large-scale attacks, such bombings have been less common in the northeast as Nigerian forces have made significant progress in countering insurgent groups.

Impact on the region and security outlook

Assessing the ongoing threat

The recent attack in Kawuri highlights the persistent security challenges facing northeast Nigeria, despite the overall decline in jihadist violence. The significant casualties and the timing of the attack, coming just weeks after a deadly series of suicide bombings in Gwoza, underscore the volatile nature of the region’s security situation. The resurgence of such violent incidents reflects ongoing issues with militant groups and their ability to strike unexpectedly, posing a continual threat to civilian safety.

Broader implications and response

The Nigerian government’s response to these attacks remains crucial. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who prioritized addressing insecurity when he assumed office, faces ongoing challenges as the armed forces combat heavily armed gangs in the northwest and continue efforts to stabilise the northeast. The broader conflict has resulted in more than 40,000 deaths and displaced over two million people since 2009, with additional displacements in other parts of the country due to banditry.