Breaking: 6 killed, others injured as bomb explosion hits Zamfara

Bandits on Wednesday planted a fresh set of explosives around Mai Lamba axis along Dansadau-Gusau road under the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara state, killing travellers.

Gory pictures seen by Channels Television showed victims of the blast lying lifeless by the roadside as passersby looked on in shock and despair.

Residents of Dansadau told Channels Television that the suspected terrorists planted the explosives along the road that connects Dansadau to other parts of the state.

Abdullahi Dansadau, a resident of the area said a Volkswagen Golf 3 vehicle stepped off the planted bomb and exploded, killing six persons and injuring eight others.

“It was this morning, one golf 3 vehicle stepped on the bomb and exploded, we have six dead bodies here now and eight others sustained injuries, the vehicle was destroyed completely.”

Speaking on the incident, the Commander of 1 Brigade Nigerian Army Gusau, Brigadier General Timothy Opurum told Channels Television that he had instructed troops of Operation Fansan Yamma to the scene of the incident for assessment.

“That was what I heard too but I don’t have details, I have instructed the troops to go there for assessment.”

A later statement sent exclusively to Channels Television by the Coordinator Joint Media Coordination Centre, Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansar Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, confirmed the incident.

“We acknowledge the reports regarding the suspected bandits planting explosives along the Dansadau-Gusau Road, which unfortunately led to some destruction.

“The safety and security of our citizens are of paramount importance. We are currently coordinating with local law enforcement to assess the situation and ensure that those responsible do not go free,” he said

He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities.

“Our troops are actively on ground to prevent further incidents and ensure the safety of all commuters. Furthermore, EXPLOSIVES Ordnance Disposal team has been deployed in the area to assist in the detection and disposal of any bombs planted on the road,” he added.

The latest incident makes it the second occurrence in three days.

Channels Television on Monday reported how fear of insecurity gripped residents of the area, following reports that armed bandits operating in the region now deploy explosives as part of their tactics.