A deadly bomb explosion in Borno State has claimed the life of Abba Godori, the vice chairman of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Kawuri unit. The devastating blast, which rocked the town of Kawuri in the Konduga Local Government Area on Tuesday, is suspected to have been a targeted attack by terrorists. The tragic incident has left the local community in shock, raising concerns over the growing threat posed by insurgents in the region.
The explosion occurred as Godori was on a routine patrol with his team, actively participating in the fight against insurgents who have been terrorizing the state. Eyewitnesses report that Godori was walking in the path of the suspected militants when the bomb, believed to have been planted the day before, detonated underfoot.
A close associate of the late JTF leader described the moment as “unbelievably tragic.” The source, who requested anonymity for security reasons, stated, “Abba was an incredibly committed man. He was always at the forefront of every patrol. That day, he was simply doing his job when the bomb went off.”
The source continued, revealing that the bomb was likely planted by terrorist elements operating in the area. “They must have laid the device a day earlier, and Abba, unaware, stepped right onto it while following the insurgents’ trail,” the source added.
The Civilian JTF, a group made up of local volunteers, plays a pivotal role in providing intelligence to the Nigerian military in the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups operating in northeastern Nigeria. Their work has been vital in protecting communities in Borno, often risking their lives to confront armed insurgents.
In a statement to the press, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed that the incident was under investigation but stated he had not yet received full details. “Personally, I am yet to get any information on that. Before nightfall, I would have ascertained what happened there,” Daso said.
Though he did not provide further specifics, the tragic death of Godori has brought renewed attention to the continued violence in Borno State, a region still reeling from the effects of the Boko Haram insurgency and related militant activities.
Growing Threat in Borno: A Tale of Loss and Despair
The recent bombing incident highlights the escalating security challenges in Borno and the broader northeastern region. Over the past decade, the state has been at the epicenter of the Boko Haram insurgency, with tens of thousands killed and millions displaced. Although the Nigerian military has made significant strides in reducing the reach of the terrorists, local militias like the Civilian JTF continue to bear the brunt of insurgent attacks.
Godori’s death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by those who dare to stand up to terrorism in the region. The local communities, while appreciative of the sacrifices made by the Civilian JTF, remain vulnerable to terrorist violence, especially in remote areas like Kawuri.
A resident of Kawuri, who was visibly shaken by the news, spoke about the ongoing insecurity. “We know Godori as a man who worked hard to protect us. His death is devastating for everyone. The insurgents are everywhere, and no one is safe anymore,” the resident said.
The loss of a leader like Abba Godori has had a profound impact on the morale of the Civilian JTF. The group, often considered the backbone of the fight against terrorism in Borno, is facing increasing challenges as insurgents become more emboldened.
“We can’t afford to let Abba’s death be in vain,” a member of the Civilian JTF stated, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “We will continue to fight, but it’s getting harder. These bombs are everywhere, and we don’t always know where they’re planted.”
The Role of the Civilian JTF in the Fight Against Insurgency
Formed in 2013, the Civilian Joint Task Force was created as a response to the escalating Boko Haram insurgency, with the aim of supplementing the efforts of the Nigerian military in providing security to local communities. Composed mainly of young men and women from Borno State, the group has been integral in gathering intelligence, preventing attacks, and sometimes engaging in direct combat with insurgents.
However, despite their bravery and dedication, members of the Civilian JTF are not immune to the dangers they face. The threat of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), landmines, and ambushes by Boko Haram fighters is a daily reality for these volunteers.
According to an analyst, Ishola Aluko, the continued use of bombs and IEDs by insurgents is a deliberate tactic aimed at weakening the resolve of local defense groups like the Civilian JTF. “The insurgents know that local defense forces are key to maintaining security in these areas, so they target them with bombs and other traps. It’s a cowardly strategy to instill fear and prevent these groups from continuing their operations,” Aluko explained.
