By John Moses
An explosion believed to have been caused by a homemade explosive device has resulted in the deaths of six villagers and left three others injured in northern Nigeria, local officials said on Monday.
The blast occurred near Zurmuku village, close to a military post in Tangaza LGA, Sokoto State, as residents marked the Eid-el-Kabir holiday. The victims, who were on foot travelling from nearby Gwabro, reportedly triggered the device unknowingly.
While state police have yet to comment on the incident, Alhaji Garzali Raka, a local security adviser, confirmed the deaths and said the injured are being treated in hospital.
“All six bodies have been laid to rest according to Islamic tradition,” Raka stated. “Our priority now is the wellbeing of the injured and maintaining order in the community.”
Preliminary investigations suggest the Lakurawa bandit group, which has been linked to violent incidents in Sokoto and neighbouring Kebbi State, may be behind the explosion. The group is known for targeting rural areas with limited security infrastructure.
Local health workers say three female survivors are being treated for severe injuries.
In the wake of the attack, local leaders have renewed calls for heightened counter-terror operations and have urged residents to remain alert to any suspicious activity.
