At least 18 people have been killed and 30 injured in a series of deadly blasts in northeastern Nigeria, believed to be carried out by female suicide bombers.
One of the attacks targeted a wedding ceremony in Borno state on Saturday, resulting in six deaths and multiple injuries.
The coordinated attacks also targeted the victims’ funeral and a hospital in the town of Gwoza, according to the state’s emergency management agency.
President Bola Tinubu condemned the attacks as “desperate acts of terror,” vowing stern action against those responsible and reaffirming the government’s commitment to combating jihadists.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents, who have previously conducted deadly bombings in Borno, are suspected.
Borno state has been the epicenter of a 15-year insurgency by Boko Haram militants, displacing over two million people and resulting in more than 40,000 deaths.
The state gained international attention in 2014 when Boko Haram kidnapped over 270 schoolgirls from Chibok.
Authorities confirmed 18 deaths on Saturday, including children, adults, and pregnant women. Local media reports suggest the toll could be higher, with some outlets reporting at least 30 fatalities. A curfew has been imposed by the military.
Amnesty International Nigeria condemned the attacks on civilians, calling for an end to such assaults. Gwoza, previously seized by Boko Haram in 2014 and recaptured by Nigerian forces in 2015, continues to face attacks and kidnappings.
In recent incidents, 20 people were killed by Boko Haram insurgents in Yobe state last November, and 17 villagers were killed in a raid on Gurokayeya village after refusing to pay a so-called harvest tax.
