Borno Violence Worsens: Truck Hits Bomb Near Cameroon Border, 26 Dead

The explosion, which occurred near the town of Rann, comes amid a surge in violence blamed on jihadist groups active in the region. Borno state has been the epicenter of a 15-year conflict that has claimed more than 40,000 lives.

"Twenty-six people died in the blast, comprising 16 men, four women, and six children," a military officer told Reuters on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly. Three others were seriously injured, the officer said.

A local resident, Akram Saad, confirmed the death toll and said most victims were burnt beyond recognition. "I took part in the funeral of the 26 people," Saad said.

A medic at the Rann General Hospital said the bodies had been brought to the facility, adding that many were unidentifiable due to the extent of the burns.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram frequently plant explosives on roads and carry out ambushes in the region.

Security sources said the blast occurred as displaced residents traveled to Gamboru, a nearby commercial town, to purchase supplies. Rann, located 175 kilometers from Maiduguri, hosts more than 50,000 internally displaced people who have fled years of militant violence.

Jihadist attacks have intensified in Borno in recent weeks. Over the weekend, more than two dozen people were killed in two separate incidents.

Rann gained international attention in 2018 when ISWAP fighters stormed a United Nations facility, killing three humanitarian workers and abducting three local health staff. Two were later executed, while one escaped after six years in captivity.