Two Christian education officials of the Damboa Local Education Authority (LEA) were killed when an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on 12 May along the Damboa-Maiduguri highway in Borno State, north-eastern Nigeria.
The victims were identified as Blessings Luka and Gideon Bitterleaf, who were travelling from Damboa to Maiduguri, a distance of 55 miles, at the time of the explosion.
The two LEA staff members were transporting mangoes from Damboa and were seated in the front of a Toyota Hiace van. They were both killed instantly. Other passengers in the van sustained injuries.
The IED is suspected to have been planted by the Islamist group Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). The group has stepped up its activities in Borno State in April and May, launching several assaults on military and civilian targets.
Damboa Local Government, in confirming the identity of the two victims, described them both as “committed and hard working” staff members.
Damboa is one of Borno State’s most strategically important towns, often targeted by ISWAP because of its location on a key food supply route.
How you can pray
Pray that the family and friends of Blessings and Gideon will know the Lord’s comfort as they grieve. Pray for wisdom for the authorities in Borno State to intensify security and protect the population from Islamist attacks, especially the vulnerable Christian minority.
