The death toll from the explosion in Gwabro village, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has risen to eight, after two more women succumbed to injuries sustained during the blast.
The explosion, which occurred during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, resulted from a locally made improvised explosive device (IED). Garzali Raka, Security Adviser to the Tangaza Council, confirmed the development and noted that Gwabro has remained under the control of armed bandits for the past five years.
The blast site, Dorawa, lies near Lakurawa camp — an area long identified as a bandit stronghold. Raka also disclosed that security operatives had previously discovered and neutralised unexploded devices in the area, some of which were defused due to exposure to heat.
ASP Ahmed Rufai, spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, confirmed that the IED detonated while victims were travelling from Gwabro to Zurmuku. The device exploded near a security post located beneath a tree close to Zurmuku — another location frequently targeted by bandits.
An eyewitness, who identified himself simply as Hashimu, recounted that the tragedy struck on Sunday afternoon as residents celebrated Eid-el-Kabir. He explained that, in line with tradition, young people had travelled from one village to another to visit relatives and pay Sallah homage when the explosion occurred.
Other villagers reported that the Lakurawa terrorists had been terrorising residents in various communities across Tangaza and Gudu Local Government Areas. They urged the government to act swiftly and decisively to end the menace and restore peace to the affected regions.
The explosion, which initially claimed six lives and left many injured, cast a shadow over the festive celebrations and reignited concerns about persistent insecurity. Both residents and local authorities have renewed calls for enhanced security presence and urgent government intervention to prevent further violence.