Several travellers were killed and others injured on Wednesday after their vehicle ran over an explosive device planted along the Dansadau-Gusau Road in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State. The device, believed to have been planted by bandits, detonated, causing significant casualties and sparking renewed fears of insecurity in the region.
An anonymous resident of Yar Tasha village told Daily Trust that the explosives were planted shortly after local residents completed community repairs on the road.
“We recently conducted community work on the road, and the bandits used that opportunity to plant the device. The victims were rushed to Dansadau General Hospital, but we cannot confirm whether they survived. Soldiers and police have been deployed to the scene,” the source explained.
The resident expressed concern about the evolving tactics of bandits in the Dansadau area, highlighting this as the second incident within a week.
“On Sunday, they planted another explosive. If this continues, road travel will become nearly impossible. The government and communities must act quickly to stop this terrible trend,” he added.
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Another eyewitness, Abdullahi Dansadau, provided more details, telling Channels Television that the explosion involved a Volkswagen Golf 3 vehicle.
“It happened this morning. A Golf 3 vehicle hit the bomb and exploded. Six people died on the spot, while eight others were injured. The vehicle was completely destroyed,” Dansadau said.
The injured were taken to Dansadau General Hospital for treatment, but the condition of the survivors remains unclear.
Official Reactions
Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansar Yamma, confirmed the incident in a statement.
“We acknowledge the reports about suspected bandits planting explosives along the Dansadau-Gusau Road, which unfortunately caused loss of lives and property. The safety and security of citizens are our priority, and we are working with local law enforcement to ensure those responsible are brought to justice,” Abdullahi stated.
When contacted, Yazid Abubakar, the Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Police Command, said he could not immediately confirm the incident or provide casualty figures.
“I don’t have such information at the moment, but I will reach out to the DPO in the area and get back to you,” Abubakar told reporters.
Escalation of Banditry
The attack is part of a growing trend of bandit activity in Zamfara State. Earlier in September, eight security personnel, including five policemen and three soldiers, were killed by armed bandits near Tazame village in Tsafe Local Government Area. The officers were providing security for construction workers repairing the Gusau-Tsafe-Zaria road when they were ambushed, according to an eyewitness, Mubarak Mohammed.
“These men were always on the road to protect construction workers. The bandits suddenly came out of hiding and opened fire,” Mohammed explained.
The incidents have heightened fears among residents and travellers in Zamfara State, with many urging the government to adopt stronger measures against bandits.
“The bandits have resorted to planting explosives to cause harm. This is a dangerous strategy that needs immediate attention,” one resident stated.