No fewer than seven people have been confirmed dead following an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion along the Magami–Dansadau highway in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, north-west Nigeria.
The explosion occurred on Saturday afternoon near the Yar-gada community, sending shockwaves through the area and triggering panic among residents and road users.
Eyewitnesses said the blast affected a trailer conveying passengers and farm produce, as well as several motorcyclists travelling along the busy route.
A resident of Dansadau, Abubakar Dansadau, told Channels Television that the explosion killed five passengers inside the truck and four motorcycle riders. One of the injured victims later died from injuries sustained in the incident.
Confirming the attack, the Senior Special Assistant to the Zamfara State Governor on Broadcast Media and Public Affairs, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, said preliminary investigations indicated that the explosion was caused by an IED allegedly planted by fleeing bandits loyal to the notorious bandit leader, Dogo Gide.
According to Kaura, troops had earlier engaged the armed group in the area, neutralising several fighters.
However, security forces were unaware that explosive devices had been planted along the route between Yar-gada and Mai-hayahaya villages as the bandits retreated.
“As of Saturday evening, seven deaths have been officially confirmed,” Kaura said, adding that security agencies have since cordoned off the affected area to prevent further casualties.
The incident was also confirmed by the spokesperson of the Joint Task Force, North-West Operation Fansan Yamma, Captain David Adewusi. He clarified that the explosion was not linked to any foreign or aerial military operation.
“This was not an airstrike. It was an improvised explosive device planted by terrorists,” Adewusi stated, stressing that troops are intensifying clearance operations along major routes in the axis.
The attack comes just days after Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, visited several communities along the Dansadau axis as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity.
The visit marked the first time a sitting governor had visited the area since 2011.
Governor Lawal’s visit was aimed at reassuring residents of the government’s commitment to restoring peace and strengthening security operations in the long-troubled region.
Security agencies have urged residents and travellers to remain vigilant and report suspicious objects or movements, as investigations into the incident continue.