In a series of coordinated attacks in northern Nigeria, female suicide bombers struck a wedding, a funeral, and a hospital, killing at least 18 people, according to local authorities. The first blast occurred during a marriage celebration in the town of Gwoza, while minutes later, another explosion rocked the vicinity of the General Hospital. The third bomber, disguised as a mourner, targeted the funeral service.

Among the victims were children and pregnant women, while at least 30 others sustained injuries, including abdominal ruptures and skull fractures, said Barkindo Saidu, the director-general of the Borno State Emergency Management Agency. No group has immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks.

Borno state has been severely impacted by the insurgency launched by the Boko Haram Islamic extremist group in 2009. Boko Haram has used women and girls in suicide bombings in the past, leading to suspicions that some attackers may have been kidnapped by the extremists, including schoolchildren.

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu referred to the attacks as "desperate acts of terror" and described them as an isolated episode. Boko Haram, which has a branch aligned with the Islamic State group, aims to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria, a country with a population of 170 million people divided almost equally between a mainly Christian south and a predominantly Muslim north.

The resurgence of suicide bombings in Borno raises significant concerns about the security situation in the region. Authorities are now facing the urgent task of bolstering security measures to protect civilians and prevent further attacks.