A gallant soldier and about four others died a painful death today after an explosive planted by Boko Haram members was detonated and killed them all leaving many injured.
A soldier and 4 others were killed today by an Improvise Explosive Device. The incident happened near a military checkpoint at the outskirts of Biu town, Borno State.
In a statement released by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman he expressed regrets at the loss of lives and pledged government's commitment to help those affected by the blast.
The statement read: "At about 8.15am today a tricycle, known as “Keke NAPEP” unknowingly stepped on an Improvise Explosive Device (IED) planted by the side of Biu -Damboa road close to a military checkpoint at the outskirts of Biu town, Borno State.
"Unfortunately, the IED exploded instantly killing 4 persons comprising of a woman with her baby and 2 other male adults. Three other persons were injured including a soldier and they were immediately evacuated to Biu General Hospital. We regret to state that the injured soldier also died at the hospital.
"The general area has been cordoned off and Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) team from Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Buratai have been mobilized to carryout further search of the area.
"Preliminary investigations shows that the IED was buried long time ago undetected. It exploded when the tricycle erroneously stepped on it.
"We commiserate with the families of the victims of this sad incident.
"This unfortunate development has brought to the fore, the need for more security consciousness and vigilance among all.
"We would like to reiterate that the explosion would not deter us from seeing to the end of Boko Haram terrorists wherever they might be hiding through our ongoing clearance operations.
"We want to use this opportunity to solicit for more cooperation from the members of the public to enable us succeed in the fight against the remnants of these criminal elements going by the appellation “Boko Haram terrorists”.
"You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium."