By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
SOKOTO — One person was feared dead while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries after a passenger vehicle reportedly struck an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by suspected bandits along the Kurawa–Sabon Birni road in Sokoto State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, raising fresh concerns over the growing use of explosive devices by criminal groups operating in parts of the North-West.
According to local sources, the vehicle was conveying passengers from surrounding communities to Sabon Birni when it ran over the explosive device, triggering a blast that severely damaged the vehicle and left several occupants injured.
A security analyst based in the area, Bashir Altine Guyawa, disclosed the incident in a post on his Facebook page, describing it as another reminder of the persistent security challenges confronting communities along the border axis.
According to Guyawa, the vehicle was on a routine passenger trip when the explosion occurred.
“The vehicle was conveying passengers early this morning on their way to Sabon Birni when the unfortunate incident happened,” he wrote.
Eyewitnesses said the force of the explosion scattered parts of the vehicle across the road, while survivors and passers-by rushed to rescue victims trapped in the wreckage.
Residents who arrived at the scene shortly after the blast described an atmosphere of panic and grief as relatives searched for loved ones.
Local sources confirmed that at least one person was killed, while several others sustained injuries. However, the exact number of casualties could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.
The incident has heightened fears among residents of Sabon Birni and neighbouring communities, many of whom depend on the road for transportation, trade and access to essential services.
Security experts have warned that criminal groups displaced by sustained military operations are increasingly resorting to unconventional tactics, including the use of improvised explosive devices, to instil fear and disrupt movement in vulnerable communities.
Community leaders have called on security agencies to intensify surveillance and clearance operations along major rural roads to prevent further attacks and reassure residents of their safety.
The latest explosion underscores the continuing security challenges in the North-West, where many communities remain affected by banditry, displacement and violence.
Efforts to obtain an official reaction from the Sokoto State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and text messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.
Authorities were yet to issue an official statement on the incident, while investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion and identify those responsible for planting the explosive device.
