The death toll from the deadly explosion in Gwabro village, Tangaza Local Government Area, Sokoto State, has risen to eight, following the demise of two women who sustained critical injuries during the blast.
According to Garzali Raka, Security Adviser to the Tangaza Council, the explosion, which rocked the community amid Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, was caused by a locally made improvised explosive device (IED).
He revealed that Gwabro and surrounding areas have been under the control of armed bandits for over five years, complicating security efforts.
The blast occurred at Dorawa, close to Lakurawa camp — a notorious bandit enclave long associated with violence in the region. Raka further disclosed that security forces had previously detected and defused several unexploded devices in the area, some of which were neutralized after exposure to intense heat.
ASP Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, confirmed that the IED detonated while victims were traveling from Gwabro to Zurmuku. The explosion happened near a security post beneath a tree close to Zurmuku, another community frequently targeted by bandits.
An eyewitness, identified only as Hashimu, described the harrowing scene, explaining that the attack occurred on Sunday afternoon when young villagers were visiting relatives and paying Eid homage, in accordance with local tradition.
Residents lamented the persistent terror unleashed by Lakurawa-based bandits across Tangaza and neighboring Gudu Local Government Areas, urging the government to take swift, decisive action to dismantle the criminal networks and restore peace.
The explosion initially claimed six lives and injured several others, casting a pall over the festive celebrations and intensifying fears about the worsening insecurity in the region.
Both local authorities and community members have renewed calls for increased security deployment and urgent government intervention to prevent further attacks and safeguard lives.
