Two staff members of the Damboa Local Education Authority (LEA) lost their lives on Monday when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device on the Damboa–Maiduguri highway in Borno State.

The victims, identified as Blessings Luka and Gideon Bitterleaf, were traveling from Damboa to Maiduguri when the tragic incident occurred, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Eyewitnesses reported that the deceased were seated in the front section of a Toyota Hiace van that was transporting mangoes. The vehicle hit an explosive device believed to have been planted by insurgents operating in the region.

The explosion killed both education officials instantly while leaving several other passengers with varying degrees of injuries, though the exact number of those injured has not been confirmed.

A source within the Damboa Local Government, who verified the identities of the victims, described them as "committed and hardworking education officials" who were dedicated to their duties.

Security operatives have cordoned off the area following the incident, and investigations are currently underway to identify those responsible for planting the explosive device.

This attack comes amid ongoing security challenges in Borno State, where insurgent groups have continued to target civilians and government officials despite military operations aimed at restoring peace to the region.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident, but security measures along the Damboa-Maiduguri road are expected to be heightened in response to this latest attack.