Explosion: People Killed, Injured in Sokoto During Eid Festivities

A devastating explosion triggered by a locally-made improvised explosive device (IED) has claimed the lives of six individuals and left three others seriously injured in Gwabro village, located in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The tragic incident occurred on Sunday during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

According to local sources, the victims were en route from Gwabro to the nearby community of Zurmuku when they unknowingly activated the hidden explosive device. The blast took place in close proximity to a security outpost near Zurmuku village, amplifying concerns about the safety and effectiveness of existing security measures in the area.

Although the Sokoto State Police Command has yet to release an official statement, efforts to obtain a comment from the police spokesperson yielded no response as of the time of filing this report.

However, the Special Adviser on Security to the Tangaza Local Government Council, Alhaji Garzali Raka, confirmed the incident and the death toll. He stated that all six deceased victims had been laid to rest in accordance with Islamic burial rites. “This is a deeply saddening incident. We are doing everything possible to support the injured and ensure continued security in the area,” he said.

The injured victims, including three women who sustained serious wounds, were immediately transported to Tangaza General Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Medical personnel are working to stabilize their conditions, while local leaders continue to coordinate assistance for the affected families.

Preliminary intelligence suggests that the explosive was likely planted by the notorious Lakurawa bandit group, which has been active in the region and is blamed for a series of violent attacks across parts of Sokoto and neighboring Kebbi States. The group has long been a menace, using guerrilla tactics and IEDs to terrorize rural communities, disrupt livelihoods, and evade security operations.

In response to the tragedy, local authorities have called on residents to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious persons or objects to the nearest security agencies. “We urge all communities to be alert and cooperate with security operatives. Information sharing is crucial at a time like this,” a local official emphasized.

The incident has reignited calls for a more aggressive security response in Sokoto State’s rural areas, particularly in Tangaza and its environs. Community leaders and civil society groups are urging the federal and state governments to boost counter-insurgency operations, enhance intelligence gathering, and improve coordination among military, police, and local vigilante groups.

As the victims’ families begin the difficult process of mourning, the community is left in shock, grappling with the horror of a celebration turned into a tragedy. The blast serves as a grim reminder of the growing threat posed by non-state actors operating in remote parts of northern Nigeria.