IED Blast in Zamfara Claims 10 Lives

Author: Gist Correspondent

No fewer than 10 people have been confirmed dead and seven others injured following an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion along the Bagega–Anka road in Zamfara State.

The incident occurred at about 6:15 p.m. on Monday when a commercial Volkswagen Golf 3 Wagon carrying passengers from Bagega to Anka reportedly struck an explosive device suspected to have been planted by armed criminals operating in the area.

Spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, had earlier informed journalists that one person was killed while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries in the blast.

According to him, the command immediately deployed specialised tactical teams to the scene to conduct an on-the-spot assessment and support rescue operations.

However, further search and recovery efforts led to the discovery of nine additional bodies, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10.

A counter-insurgency publication, Zagazola Makama, quoted police sources as confirming that the additional victims were recovered from the explosion site located between Tungar Kudaku and Bagega communities.

“Following the deployment of security personnel to the affected area, an extensive assessment was carried out, leading to the recovery of nine additional bodies from the scene of the explosion,” the source reportedly stated.

The recovered bodies were evacuated to a hospital for autopsy and other necessary procedures before being released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

Security agencies have since reinforced operations along the Anka–Bagega corridor to prevent further attacks and reassure residents and commuters.

Police authorities said visibility patrols have been intensified along the route as part of efforts to deter criminal activities and improve security in the area.

Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious persons, movements or objects to security agencies.

The command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the state, assuring the public that investigations into the circumstances surrounding the explosion are ongoing.