BREAKING: 19 dead as bomb blast rocks Borno ahead of nationwide protest

At least 19 people are feared dead following a bomb explosion in Kawuri community, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

The blast, caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), occurred on Wednesday evening at a local tea joint where residents had gathered for a night chat. The explosion also left an unspecified number of people injured.

Sources suspect that Boko Haram insurgents may be responsible for planting the device, contributing to ongoing chaos in the North-East region.

This incident follows several similar attacks in recent days, including the deaths of seven Nigerian soldiers.

A government official confirmed to Daily Trust that the bomb detonated around 8:05 pm, resulting in numerous casualties.

The injured have been transported to an undisclosed hospital in Maiduguri for treatment.

The explosion occurred just hours before the planned nationwide protests over escalating hunger and economic hardship in Nigeria. Nigerian youths are set to begin mass demonstrations across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) today, Thursday.