The Damaturu-Biu highway, located in Yobe State, Nigeria, became a scene of terror on Friday as suspected members of the extremist group Boko Haram reportedly abducted numerous travelers near Mahdiya village.
The attackers, armed and heavily positioned along the highway, ambushed both commercial and private vehicles around 9 am, seizing passengers from at least six vehicles and tragically killing one person.
According to an eyewitness who managed to escape, the insurgents forcibly removed passengers from their vehicles and took them into nearby bushes.
The chairman of the National Union Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, commenting on the incident, revealed that some passengers fled back towards Damaturu, the state capital, in an attempt to escape the attackers.
He also noted the unfortunate timing of the incident, as it occurred on a Friday, which is when the bustling Buni Yadi Market attracts thousands of people from surrounding communities for business.
A reliable source from the security sector confirmed the attack, describing how suspected Boko Haram members laid an ambush for travelers along the route from Maiduguri to Southern Borno through the Damaturu/Buni Yadi/Biu Road.
This alarming incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by the region, as militant groups like Boko Haram continue to threaten the safety and well-being of civilians.
Efforts to combat such attacks and ensure the safety of travelers along the Damaturu-Biu highway remain a priority for authorities in Yobe State and beyond.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat posed by insurgent groups in the region, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and coordinated security measures to protect innocent lives and maintain stability in affected areas.
