Two people were killed on Monday morning in a suspected Al-Shabaab attack after their vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Ijara–Bodhai road in Garissa County.
The victims, identified as Mohamed Shabel Bashir and Abdikadir Muhumed Salat, were traveling in a Toyota Probox vehicle en route to Bodhai town when the explosion occurred. According to Bodhai Deputy County Commissioner Dubat Mohamed, the IED is believed to have been planted by Al-Shabaab militants who frequently target security patrols operating in the area.
“This is a sad and unfortunate incident. We suspect the attackers were targeting our security personnel who regularly conduct surveillance operations along that road,” said Mohamed.
Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion early in the day, which prompted a rapid response from security forces. On arrival, officers found the vehicle completely destroyed and the mutilated bodies of the two men scattered at the blast site. Images from the scene revealed the extent of the damage, suggesting the use of a high-powered explosive device.
In response, security has been beefed up along the Ijara–Bodhai route, with a joint operation involving the General Service Unit (GSU) and the Special Operations Group (SOG) launched to pursue the assailants. “We are in hot pursuit of these criminal elements. Our forces are combing suspected hideouts,” Mohamed said, urging residents to support the security teams by providing any useful information.
Ijara MP Abdi Ali strongly condemned the attack, terming it a tragic setback to ongoing peace-building efforts in the region. “I am deeply saddened and shocked by this senseless act of violence. It’s a painful reminder of the threats facing our communities,” he stated. “I urge security agencies to act swiftly and bring the perpetrators to justice.”
Ijara has been a frequent target of Al-Shabaab due to its proximity to the dense Boni Forest, a known militant hideout. Ironically, the attack occurred just two days after North Eastern Regional Commissioner John Otieno declared that the region had been experiencing a period of calm, with no major security incidents recently reported.
Monday’s deadly blast now casts a shadow over those assurances, underscoring the persistent threat posed by Al-Shabaab in the region.
