Nigeria’s wave of violence appears to be on an upward trajectory as the country was again plunged into a bloody weekend as coordinated and isolated incidents of violence across several states claimed the lives of more than 45 people and left dozens injured. The attacks, which occurred between Friday, June 20 and Saturday, June 21, affected Borno, Plateau, Kano, and Benue States, sparking renewed concerns over the country’s worsening security crisis.
Konduga Suicide Bombing Kills 24
In one of the deadliest incidents, at least 24 people were killed when a female suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a busy food joint in Konduga, a town approximately 36 kilometers from Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
The Borno State Police Command confirmed that the attack took place around 10:00 p.m. on Friday, when dozens of residents had gathered at the food outlet. The blast killed men and women on the spot, with the bomber’s remains mutilated—only her head was recovered at the scene.
Emergency responders and a joint security team comprising the military, police, EOD-CBRN units, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters cordoned off the area and searched for additional explosives. None were found. The injured were taken to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), and the deceased were deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
Mob Kills 12 Travellers in Plateau State
Elsewhere, in Plateau State, a group of travellers en route to a wedding in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area were ambushed and attacked by a mob in Mangu. The victims, all from the Basawa community in Zaria, Kaduna State, were riding in an 18-seater bus belonging to Ahmadu Bello University when they were set upon around 8:00 p.m. on Friday.
According to survivor Ibrahim Umar, the group had stopped to ask for directions when locals began shouting and attacking the vehicle. “They started beating and attacking us with dangerous weapons… They burned the bus with the corpses inside,” he recounted from his hospital bed.
The Chief Imam of Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa’ikamatis Sunnah, Sheikh Suleiman Haruna, confirmed the deaths and said efforts were ongoing to retrieve the remaining bodies. At least 12 were confirmed dead, with 11 others injured. Police have not yet issued a detailed statement.
Explosions in Kano
In Kano, tragedy struck again on Saturday, June 21, when an explosion rocked a metal scrap company, killing five people and injuring 10 others. The explosion was reportedly triggered by a truck transporting metal scraps from Yobe State. The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, confirmed the blast and said investigations were underway to determine whether the truck carried military-grade materials.
Political Assassination in Benue State
In Benue State, gunmen assassinated Hon. Yayough Aondoakaa, a former chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Tarka Local Government Area. He was shot dead at Wannune Market on Saturday in a broad daylight attack.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants arrived on motorcycles, asked for the politician by name, and shot him at close range. The killing comes just a year after Aondoakaa’s wife was murdered in a similar attack, a case that remains unsolved. Police have launched an investigation, though no statement has been released yet.
Mounting Death Toll and National Outcry
Across the states affected, at least 42 people were confirmed dead, with more than 40 others injured. The victims included civilians, travellers, political figures, and workers—many of whom were targeted in unexpected or unprovoked attacks.
The federal and state governments have been urged to urgently address the growing insecurity, with community leaders and civil society groups calling for tighter intelligence operations, better emergency response systems, and accountability for perpetrators.
For now, security agencies continue to patrol affected areas, as investigations remain ongoing in all cases.
Summary Report: A Weekend of Bloodshed in Nigeria – June 20–21, 2025
Konduga Suicide Bombing (Borno State)
• Date/Time: Friday, June 20, around 10:00 p.m.
• Incident: A female suicide bomber detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) at a busy food joint in Konduga town.
• Casualties: At least 24 people killed on the spot, several others injured.
• Response: Joint forces including the military, police, EOD-CBRN units, and CJTF secured the area. No further explosives were found.
• Victims: Being treated at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital; deceased taken to the mortuary.
Mob Attack on Travellers (Plateau State)
• Date/Time: Friday, June 20, around 8:00 p.m.
• Location: Mangu, Plateau State
• Victims: 31 travellers from Zaria (Kaduna State) en route to a wedding in Qua’an Pan LGA.
• Incident: Ambushed and attacked by a mob after asking for directions.
• Casualties: 12 confirmed dead, 11 injured. Bus was burned with bodies inside.
• Status: Survivors receiving hospital care. Police yet to release an official statement.
Kano Scrap Company Explosion
• Date: Saturday, June 21
• Location: Metal scrap firm in Kano
• Cause: Truck carrying scraps (possibly military ordnance) exploded.
• Casualties: 5 dead, 10 injured
• Origin of Truck: Believed to have come from Yobe State.
• Investigation: Ongoing. Kano Police Command has launched a probe.
Political Assassination (Benue State)
• Date: Saturday, June 21
• Victim: Hon. Yayough Aondoakaa, former PDP chairman in Tarka LGA
• Location: Wannune Market, Benue State
• Incident: Shot dead at close range by armed men on motorcycles.
• Context: His wife was previously killed in a similar attack. Community now living in fear.
• Status: No official statement yet; investigation underway.
Overview
This string of violent events within 48 hours paints a grim picture of Nigeria’s security landscape:
• Total Fatalities (confirmed): At least 51
• Total Injured: Over 50 people
• Security Response: Increased patrols, area lockdowns, ongoing investigations across all affected regions.
Key Takeaways
• Terrorism, mob violence, and explosive incidents remain serious national threats.
• Civilians, including travellers, party-goers, market vendors, and political figures, were targeted.
• Calls for Justice: Families and communities are demanding accountability, especially in Plateau and Benue.
The spate of incidents over the weekend underscores the urgent need for stronger intelligence coordination, improved community policing, and swift justice mechanisms.
