From Sidi Ibrahim Kaulahi, in Gusau
At least One person has been reportedly killed, while seven others sustained various degrees of injuries as a result of an explosion of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Bagega-Anka road under Anka local government area of Zamfara state.
A reliable source identified as Sambo Dan Bagega who is a resident of Bagega village said the incident occurred at about 6:15 pm on Monday when a commercial vehicle conveying passengers from Bagega to Anka drove over the explosive device where it detonated.
According to members of the affected community, the Improvise Explosive Device (IED) was suspected to have been planted by a dangerous group of armed bandits who have been terrorizing peace in the area.
The passengers were traveling from Bagega village to Anka town when the device detonated, killing one passenger on the spot. Seven others sustained various degrees of injuries and are currently receiving medical care at a local healthcare facility in Bagega, the community members said.
Responding, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Zamfara state Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident, saying a suspected IED explosion on Anka-Bagega road claimed the life of one person while seven others sustained various degrees of injuries.
The PPRO said that joint security forces have swiftly acted to contain the terrible situation, adding that the command dispatched specialized tactical teams to the scene, working in close collaboration with the military.
According to him, these joint forces were deployed to thoroughly assess the situation, clear the hazardous road, and guarantee the safety of the area, as well as immediate restoration of peace and normalcy along the transit route.
He said that the Police Command remains fiercely committed to ending banditry and terrorism within the state, pointing at recorded major breakthroughs the security agency has achieved in recent days.
According to him, no stone will be left unturned in the ongoing effort to wipe out terrorist elements.
He appealed to members of the community to maintain strong cooperation with security agencies, emphasizing that continuous public support through provision of credible and timely information is vital to winning the peace.
