At least seven people have died following an improvised explosive device (IED) blast along the Magami–Dansadau highway in Maru Local Government Area, Zamfara State, north-west Nigeria.
The explosion occurred Saturday afternoon near Yar-gada, leaving residents and road users in shock and panic. Eyewitnesses reported that a trailer carrying passengers and farm produce, along with several motorcyclists, were directly affected.
A resident, Abubakar Dansadau, told Channels Television that five passengers in the truck and four motorcyclists were killed. One of the injured later succumbed to wounds, bringing the confirmed death toll to seven.
Government officials confirmed the attack. Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, Senior Special Assistant to the Zamfara State Governor on Broadcast Media, said preliminary investigations indicated the IED was planted by fleeing bandits linked to notorious leader Dogo Gide.
Troops had previously engaged the armed group in the area, neutralizing several fighters, but were unaware of explosive devices planted along the route between Yar-gada and Mai-hayahaya villages. Kaura confirmed that security agencies have cordoned off the area to prevent further casualties.
Joint Task Force (JTF) spokesman Captain David Adewusi emphasized that the explosion was not an airstrike but a terrorist-planted IED. He added that troops are intensifying clearance operations along major routes in the area.
The attack occurred just days after Governor Dauda Lawal visited communities along the Dansadau axis to boost security and reassure residents. This marked the first gubernatorial visit to the area since 2011, highlighting the government’s renewed commitment to peace and security.
Authorities have urged residents and travelers to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities as investigations continue.
