At least nine civilians joint taskforce members lost their lives after they were hit by a roadside bomb explosions in Dikwa local government area of Borno state, sources say.
The incident occured between New Marte and Dikwa road when the volunteers were heading back to Maiduguri on Tuesday.
According to a top member of the CJTF, Banna Modu the Hilux vehicle stepped on landmines which resulted to damage beyond repairs and passengers on board died.
“It was sad incident and we pray for repose of the gallant cjtf members, the Boko-Haram planted bombs on bad portions of New Marte and Dikwa road. We lost nine members. But we are not deterred rather it will spur us to do more,” Modu said.
Abdul Bash, another CJTF leader in Maiduguri told Business Day that they have recovered the bodies and they have all been buried according to Islamic rites.
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“We have conducted the burial this afternoon at Kofa Maila cemetery, we are deeply touched by disgusting incident,” Bash said.
While reacting to the development, the Senator representing Borno Central at the National Assembly, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, expressed shock over the Bomb explosion that involved members of CJTF when their operational vehicle stumbled on IED planted by terrorists along Marte-Dikw road.
“On a sad note, I wish to commiserate with our Governor, Professor Zulum, Service Commanders, the leadership of the CJTF and the bereaved families of the gallant heroes that paid the supreme sacrifices as a result of IED Explosion yesterday.
“May their gentle souls rest in Aljanna Firdaus and may Allah give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.”
