Tragedy struck in Sokoto State on Sunday as seven persons, including two young girls, lost their lives after a motorcycle reportedly triggered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Tangaza Local Government Area.
The explosion, allegedly orchestrated by suspected Lakurawa insurgents, occurred beneath a tree often used as a resting point by military personnel during patrols in the area.
Local sources said the victims were returning to Zurmuku village from a Sallah celebration in Gwabro when the incident occurred.
They had stopped under the tree to rest when one of the motorcycles struck the device, triggering a devastating blast.
Six men reportedly died on the spot, while the two girls sustained severe injuries. One of them succumbed to her wounds the following day.
Confirming the incident, the Special Assistant to the Chairman of Tangaza Local Government, Alhaji Ghazzali Rakah, described the attack as a calculated act of terror likely aimed at military forces operating in the area.
“The victims were returning from a Sallah visit when they rested under the tree. That particular spot is known to be frequented by troops during operations. We believe the insurgents planted the device in anticipation of military presence,” Rakah said.
He disclosed that a bomb disposal team from the Nigeria Police Force had been deployed to comb the area for any other hidden explosives.
Sunday’s blast adds to a growing list of IED-related attacks in Tangaza LGA. In a similar incident a few months ago, several soldiers were killed when their patrol vehicle was hit by an explosive device planted along their route.
Security analysts have raised concerns over the increasing activities of armed groups, including the Lakurawa insurgents, in parts of Sokoto State.
Local authorities are now calling for intensified military operations and better intelligence gathering to stem the tide of insurgency in the region.
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