No fewer than seven people were killed on Saturday when an improvised explosive device detonated along the Magami–Dansadau highway in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The explosion occurred near the Yar-gada community, triggering panic among residents and motorists using the busy route.
Eyewitnesses said the blast hit a trailer conveying passengers and farm produce, as well as several motorcyclists.
A resident, Abubakar Dansadau, said five passengers in the truck and four motorcycle riders were affected, with one of the injured later dying from sustained injuries.
Zamfara State Governor’s spokesman, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, confirmed the incident, saying the device was allegedly planted by fleeing bandits loyal to notorious kingpin Dogo Gide.
He explained that troops had earlier clashed with the bandits in the area, but were unaware that explosives had been laid along the road.
Also confirming the incident, the Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, dismissed claims of an airstrike, insisting the blast was caused by a terrorist-planted IED.
The attack comes days after Governor Dauda Lawal visited communities along the Dansadau axis, as part of renewed efforts to tackle insecurity in the area.
