Seven suspected Boko Haram terrorists Die in Explosive-laden Van

Seven suspected Boko Haram terrorists were on Monday killed when an Improvised Explosives Device hidden in a Toyota pick-up van exploded before it could get to Biu Market, suspected to be its destination.

A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity with PUNCH on the telephone on Tuesday, said:

“A Toyota pick-up van, loaded with maize and beans with IED hidden under them, belonging to Boko Haram insurgents, exploded near Chikwarkir village of Biu, killing
all the occupants of the van.”

He said it was believed that the insurgents intended to sneak into Biu Market to detonate the explosives and kill many traders and customers.

“As you know, it is harvest time and people are taking their farm produce to the market; but thank God, the bomb exploded before they could get to the market,” the source said.

He added that the insurgents must have specifically chosen Monday, as they were aware that Monday and Thursday were the market days in Biu, the headquarters of Biu Local Government.