Fear has gripped parts of Zamfara State following a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area, with many travellers feared dead.
The incident reportedly happened on Saturday, catching an unspecified number of commuters in the blast. Although the exact casualty figure remains unclear, early reports suggest that the explosion caused serious disruption and panic among those using the route.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Command, Yazid Abubakar, said the blast had indeed occurred but noted that details were still sketchy at the time. Speaking in a telephone interview, he said, “I can confirm that there was a blast in that area but the incident just happened. I can’t tell you details yet. I will update you later.”
Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media show scenes of confusion and fear, with travellers seen running for safety in the aftermath of the explosion. Residents and road users believe the device may have been planted by bandits who have continued to terrorise communities and major routes across the state.
Reacting on X (formerly Twitter), a user identified as Nuhu Sada described the incident as another painful reminder of the insecurity in the region. “Another tragic attack on innocent travelers in Zamfara. Families are grieving, lives are lost, and property destroyed. Security agencies must act quickly,” he wrote.
Another user, DanKatsina50, questioned the level of security on the road, posting that the blast was suspected to be an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by bandits and calling for urgent action to secure the route.
In a related development, residents of Offa in Kwara State were also thrown into panic late Thursday night after loud explosions damaged residential buildings in parts of the town. This came shortly after United States President Donald Trump announced airstrikes against ISIS targets in Nigeria.
However, authorities have yet to clarify whether the explosions in Offa were linked to the US operation or carried out solely by Nigerian forces. As investigations continue, residents in affected areas remain on edge, calling for clearer communication and stronger security measures to protect lives and property.
