Many Travellers Killed As Explosion Hits Zamfara Community

An unspecified number of travellers have been killed, following an explosion around Mai Lamba axis along Dansadau-Gusau road, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

It was gathered that the horrible incident occurred around 8am on Wednesday, after a commercial driver conveying passengers to Dansadau town ran on the device suspected to be planted by bandits.

A resident of Yar Tasha village, who did not want to be named, said that the driver of the car, a Volkswagen Gulf Model, ran into the device and instantly exploded, shattering the vehicle into pieces.

He said: “We recently conducted community work on the road and the bandits used that opportunity to plant the device at one of the spots.

“The victims were rushed to Dansadau General Hospital and no body can ascertain whether they are dead or alive for now. Security personnel comprising soldiers and police have been deployed to the scene of the incident.

“It appears that the bandits in Zamfara State have developed a new strategy of operation especially in this Dansadau axis. This is the second time they would plant an explosive device in this area within a week. They planted one on Sunday.

Also confirming the incident in a statement by the Coordinator Joint Media Coordination Centre, Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansar Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, urged members of the public to report any suspicious activity of anyone in the area.

“We acknowledge the reports regarding the suspected bandits planting explosives along the Dansadau-Gusau Road, which unfortunately led to some destruction

“The safety and security of our citizens are of paramount importance. We are currently coordinating with local law enforcement to assess the situation and ensure that those responsible do not go free.

“Our troops are actively on ground to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of all commuters. Furthermore, EXPLOSIVES Ordnance Disposal team has been deployed in the area to assist in the detection and disposal of any bombs planted on the road.”