Tragedy on Damboa–Maiduguri Highway: Two Dedicated Education Staff K!lled in Bomb Blast While Travelling for Work
A heartbreaking tragedy struck the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State on Monday, May 12, 2025, when two respected staff members of the Damboa Local Education Authority (LEA) lost their lives in a deadly bomb explosion along the Damboa–Maiduguri highway.
The two individuals who sadly passed away in the incident have been identified as Gedion Vitalis Lkama and Blessing Luka. According to reports gathered by NaijaRush, both of them were employees of the Damboa LEA and were known in their community for their dedication to education and public service.
They were on their way from Damboa to Maiduguri when the unfortunate incident occurred. Eyewitnesses said that the two deceased were seated in the front seats of a Toyota Hiace van that was carrying mangoes, likely en route to the markets in Maiduguri.
Tragically, as the van was making its way along the highway — a route that has long been known for its security risks — it struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The IED is suspected to have been planted by insurgents operating in the region. The explosion was massive and killed both Gedion Vitalis Lkama and Blessing Luka instantly.
Other passengers inside the van reportedly sustained various degrees of injuries due to the powerful blast. Security officials and emergency responders later arrived at the scene to offer assistance and begin investigations.
A source from the Damboa Local Government who confirmed the incident also verified the identities of the two victims. The source described them as “committed and hardworking education officials” who had dedicated themselves to improving the lives of children and young people in Damboa through access to learning and public education.
“They were committed and hardworking education officials,” the source said with sadness, mourning the loss of two passionate individuals who were working to build a better future for the community.
This incident is another painful reminder of the ongoing insecurity in some parts of northeastern Nigeria, where insurgents continue to pose a serious threat to the lives of innocent citizens, government workers, and anyone using certain highways.
The entire Damboa community, as well as the local education sector, is in mourning. Tributes have poured in for Gedion and Blessing, with many people expressing shock and sorrow over the senseless act of violence that cut their lives short.
As investigations continue, residents and commuters are being urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel along dangerous routes where insurgents are known to operate.
NaijaRush will continue to follow this developing story and bring you updates as more information becomes available.
