The death toll from the devastating explosion that rocked Gwabro village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State has climbed to eight, following the deaths of two more women who succumbed to injuries sustained in the blast.
The tragic incident, which occurred on Sunday during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, was triggered by a locally fabricated improvised explosive device (IED). The device detonated as a group of villagers traveled from Gwabro to Zurmuku, near a security post under a tree — a location not far from Lakurawa camp, a notorious bandit enclave.
Confirming the development, Garzali Raka, Security Adviser to the Tangaza Council, revealed that Gwabro village has been under the control of armed bandits for nearly five years. He also disclosed that several unexploded devices had previously been discovered and safely neutralized in the area, underscoring the persistent threat faced by local communities.
The Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Ahmed Rufai, corroborated the account, stating that the IED went off in transit, claiming the lives of six people on the spot and leaving several others severely injured. The blast later claimed two additional victims, bringing the total fatalities to eight.
Eyewitness Hashimu, who narrowly escaped the explosion, recounted that it is customary during Eid-el-Kabir for youths and families to visit neighboring villages to pay Sallah homage. Sadly, the annual tradition was marred by the deadly attack, plunging the festive atmosphere into grief and fear.
Local sources further revealed that the Lakurawa terrorists have long terrorized residents across Tangaza and neighboring Gudu Local Government Areas. In light of the latest tragedy, community leaders and residents are urgently calling on both the Sokoto State Government and federal authorities to step up security measures and dismantle the terrorist strongholds destabilizing the region.
The explosion has heightened anxiety over the escalating banditry and rising insecurity in Sokoto State, as affected communities demand decisive action to protect lives and restore peace.
[11/06, 8:58 am] rosewendy: “Death Under the Tree: Bandit Bomb Shatters Eid Traditions in Terrorized Sokoto Villages”
