Stray bullet kills newlywed man in Borno

Shikarkir village in Borno State has been thrown into mourning as a newly married man, Ishaku Markson, was killed by a stray bullet during a failed ISWAP attack.

The young man who recently got marrired just three months ago has been confirmed dead following a failed attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters on Shikarkir village in Chibok Local Government Area, Borno State.

The victim, identified as 30-year-old Ishaku Markson, was among four civilians struck by stray bullets during a gun battle between the terrorists and Nigerian troops. Markson, who got married in March 2025, was hit during the attack and later died from his injuries at the General Hospital in Chibok.

The tragedy occurred on the evening of Monday, June 23, 2025, when insurgents stormed the quiet village at around 5:20 p.m. in what appeared to be a coordinated assault. Their plans, however, were quickly thwarted by the swift response of soldiers from Operation Hadin Kai, who were supported by local vigilantes and civilian hunters.

According to reports from security sources, the troops engaged the terrorists in an intense firefight that forced them to retreat, leaving behind an unknown number of casualties. But while the soldiers were able to push the attackers back, innocent civilians paid the price.

Among those injured was Buba Zakariya, 28, who also died from gunshot wounds shortly after arriving at the hospital. Two others, 41-year-old Yama Wadai and another man named Maina Fali, were wounded during the chaos but are currently receiving treatment. Hospital officials have confirmed that both are responding positively to care.

The death of Ishaku Markson has drawn particular attention due to the timing of his passing—only months into his new marriage.

Residents described him as a peaceful and hardworking young man, just beginning to build a life with his new wife before his life was cut short by violence.

“It’s heartbreaking,” one local source said. “He had only just started his life as a married man. This is a huge loss not just to his family but to the entire community.”

As calm slowly returns to Shikarkir village, many residents continue to mourn the loss of their own, especially the young man whose future was abruptly stolen by conflict. His death, alongside others affected, serves as a painful reminder of the continuing threat insurgents pose to innocent civilians, even in moments of peace and new beginnings.