Quadruple Bombings in Gwoza, Borno State
Abuja – The death toll from the June 29 quadruple bombings in Gwoza, Borno state, northeastern Nigeria, has increased to 32. Several of the approximately 50 injured succumbed to their wounds in the hospital. The attacks were carried out by four female suicide bombers. The first bomber, accompanied by a child, detonated her device at a wedding reception. The second bomber blew herself up at a military checkpoint after being stopped. The third explosion occurred in a hospital, also caused by a suicide bomber. The fourth bomber detonated her explosives during a Muslim prayer service for the victims of the initial bombing.
Prevented Attacks and Ongoing Investigations
According to police, additional attacks were thwarted in Gwoza, a city of 300,000 residents. Gwoza was occupied by Boko Haram in 2014 and recaptured by the Nigerian military with Chadian assistance in 2015. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, investigators suspect the involvement of Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), one of the two factions of Boko Haram. The other faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), aligned with the Islamic State and became known as the “West Africa Province.” Since the death of JAS leader Abubakar Shekau in 2021, the two factions have been vying for control over large areas of northeast Nigeria.
Factional Differences and Recent Clashes
JAS and ISWAP have distinct approaches towards the local Muslim population. JAS often plunders civilians, while ISWAP seeks to improve relations with the Muslim community by imposing taxes and establishing its own version of law and order. This divergence in tactics has led to bitter conflicts between the two groups, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
The June 29 bombings might have been orchestrated by either a local JAS faction or the central JAS leadership, which remains active between the islands of Lake Chad and the Mandara Mountains, near Gwoza. JAS is known for granting its military commanders considerable autonomy, further complicating efforts to pinpoint the source of the attacks.
