The Zamfara State Police Command on Saturday confirmed that explosions caused by objects suspected to be Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) occurred along the Magami–Dansadau Road in Gusau Local Government Area of the state, resulting in multiple casualties.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident to journalists in Zamfara State via a telephone conversation.
However, he declined to provide further details, stating that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the explosions.
An eyewitness, Nuhu Dansadau, while speaking to Africa Independent Television (AIT) via telephone, said the incident occurred between 10:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on Saturday.
According to him, a suspected locally manufactured bomb was planted on the major road leading to the Maikogo and Mai’ayaya communities exploded at two to three different points.
He explained that the affected victims were motorists traveling toward the Magami cattle market.
MUST READ: Sokoto State Government Welcomes US Airstrike on terrorists target in Tangaza
He expanded that, the explosions reportedly hit motorcycles and vehicles, killing some riders instantly, while others in vehicles behind were also affected.
The eyewitness said no fewer than nine people were believed to have died instantly, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
He further stated that the first blast destroyed two motorcycles and killed four people.
A second explosion reportedly affected a trailer along the same road, leading to the death of about five additional persons.
“The convoy was lengthy, and the point where the explosion occurred was toward the rear of the vehicles,” he added.
Dansadau also disclosed that a woman, who reportedly panicked after the explosions, fell from a moving vehicle and was accidentally run over by another vehicle, resulting in her death.
As of the time of filing this report, the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed by authorities. However, security agencies have been reinforced in the area to ensure the safety of road users while investigations continue.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
