The death toll from the explosion in Gwabro village, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has risen to eight after two more women succumbed to injuries sustained in the blast that occurred during Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
According to security officials, the explosion was caused by a locally made improvised explosive device (IED). Garzali Raka, a security adviser to the Tangaza Council, confirmed the tragic update and revealed that Gwabro has been under bandit control for approximately five years.
The explosion site, Dorawa, is reportedly in close proximity to Lakurawa camp, a known stronghold for bandit operations. Raka also mentioned that there had been previous discoveries of unexploded devices in the area that were neutralized by heat before detonation.
Eyewitness Account of the Explosion
ASP Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, confirmed that the IED exploded as victims traveled from Gwabro to Zurmuku. The device detonated near a security post under a tree close to Zurmuku, another area plagued by banditry activities.
An eyewitness identified as Hashimu provided a vivid account of the incident, stating that the explosion occurred on Sunday afternoon during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. He explained that as per tradition, people—especially youths—typically visit relatives in neighboring villages to pay Sallah homage, and it was during one such journey that they encountered the deadly blast.
"It happened so suddenly. People were simply traveling to celebrate with their families when the explosion occurred," Hashimu recounted.
Ongoing Security Concerns
Local sources report that Lakurawa terrorists have been terrorizing various villages in both Tangaza and Gudu local councils. Community members have called on the government to take decisive action against the terrorists who continue to disturb the peace in these communities.
The incident, which initially claimed six lives and injured many others, has marred what should have been a festive season and renewed fears about the ongoing insecurity in the region. Residents and officials have since called for strengthened security measures to curb further violence and restore peace to the state.
This explosion highlights the persistent security challenges facing parts of Sokoto State, particularly in areas where bandit groups maintain significant control and continue to threaten civilian populations.
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