The Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for a deadly improvised explosive device (IED) attack near Rann, in Kala-Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to residents and security sources, the incident occurred along the Furunduma axis, around 11 a.m. on Friday, and initially left 17 people dead. The casualties included four women, six children, and seven other passengers.

However, as of Monday, more corpses were recovered from the surrounding bush, bringing the total number of confirmed fatalities to 26.

A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said some of the victims were burnt beyond recognition.

?As of the last count, 26 people have died from the blast. This includes the four women, six children, and now 16 others,? the source said.

On Tuesday, ISWAP claimed responsibility for the attack via a statement posted on Telegram, confirming the death toll at 26, according to Reuters.

Landmine blast kills 2 soldiers

In a separate incident, two soldiers were killed by a suspected landmine planted by insurgents along the Maiduguri-Damboa Road.

Local sources and security personnel reported that the explosion occurred near the deserted village of Nyeliri in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

?The deceased soldiers were part of a landmine detection team escorting commuters when they accidentally stepped on roadside IEDs, which exploded and killed them instantly,? one of the sources stated.

The District Head of Damboa, Alhaji Lawan Maina, also confirmed the incident, stating, ?Two soldiers were killed.?

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer of the Borno State Command, ASP Kenneth Daso, were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or text messages from this reporter. (Daily Trust)