Koibe community believes labourers are being targeted after two IEDs detonate on construction sites
Two improvised explosive device (IED) blasts have rocked the Koibe community in the Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State.
The first explosion occurred at the Koibe Primary School on Monday, February 26.
Two labourers who were working on a construction site on the premises of the school were killed instantly.
A labourer who witnessed the explosion and who asked to remain anonymous, told RNI: “It happened so suddenly. One of the labourers was taking bricks to a part of the school building that was under construction. He didn’t realise that an IED had been placed among the bricks. There were quite a few labourers in the vicinity. They were waiting for the bricks so that they could continue building.
“Suddenly, there was a loud explosion. Two construction workers were killed and at least five others were wounded.”
He said a second explosion occurred a short while later.
“I did not witness the second blast but a community member told me the second IED detonated at a different construction site on the outskirts of Koibe. Luckily, no labourers were around, but eight cattle that were roaming close by were killed. It is believed one of the cattle stood on the IED, causing it to detonate.”
A Dikwa local government employee, who spoke to RNI on condition of anonymity, said: “The labourers who were wounded in the first explosion were taken to a healthcare facility for treatment. It was fortunate that no labourers were around when the second blast occurred. Cattle roaming cattle close by were killed. Community members believe construction workers were the targets.”
A Koibe resident, who also asked to remain anonymous, said: “Going by the sound of the second explosion, it was a big IED. Apart from the cattle that died, many more were wounded. They will probably have to be euthanised.”
He said various structures in Koibe – including the primary school – were being built or reconstructed because the Borno State government was in the process of resettling internally displaced persons who had fled from their hometown to Maiduguri to escape persistent and deadly insurgent attacks.
“Unfortunately, construction labourers appear to have been the targets. They need the work, but they are risking their lives. The government must provide more security, particularly if authorities want IDPs to resettle in Koibe.”
FALMATA MOHAMMED ALI
