Suspected terrorists, believed to be a faction of Boko Haram loyal to Mallam Sadiku, blew up a major bridge in Niger State’s Borgu Local Government Area using an improvised explosive device on Sunday evening.
The attack, which occurred along the Wawa-Luma-Guffanti road, has cut off a key trade route, affecting several communities and markets, including the popular Babanna border market.
Residents are now struggling to access essential goods and services.
The bridge’s destruction has also raised concerns about the safety of residents and the potential for further attacks.
Eight people were reportedly killed in the attack, with several others injured.
Residents said the timing of the attack, just a day before the popular Babanna market, suggests a deliberate attempt to disrupt economic activities in the area.
“It happened just a day before Babanna market,” a resident of Wawa was quoted as saying.
A commercial driver, Ahmed Yusuf, who was conveying traders to Babanna on Monday morning, confirmed that the road had been completely cut off.
“No vehicle could pass because the bridge was blown apart,” he said, noting that only motorcyclists were attempting to navigate through the debris beneath the damaged structure.
Security agencies have intensified clearance operations to restore safety and normalcy in the area.
