About six men have died, and three women have sustained various injuries from a suspected improvised explosive device, IED, believed to have been set by the newly formed Lakurawa terrorist group operating in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
It was gathered that the blast occurred in Gwabro village, located in the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, sparking renewed fears over the growing boldness of the group.
A local source who spoke on the incident said the tragic event unfolded on Sunday afternoon during Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
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He explained that it is customary during the celebration for residents, especially young people, to travel between nearby villages to visit relatives and pay respects.
It was during one of the traditional visits that the victims encountered the explosive device.
According to him, “They were simply unfortunate. These innocent victims were walking from Gwabro to the nearby Zurmuku community when they stumbled upon the device. Perhaps unaware of its nature, they may have touched it, which resulted in the explosion.”
The spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed had also confirmed the incident to newsmen.
The police stated that six men were killed while three women sustained serious injuries.
It was further learned that the injured were rushed to Tangaza General Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care.
Last month, the terrorist group also killed no fewer than 13 hunters following a deadly ambush by suspected Lakurawa terrorists in Hurumi Forest, located in Talewa ward of Tangaza Local Government Area (LGA), Sokoto State.
The incident occurred during a seasonal hunting expedition involving hunters from various communities in Tangaza and Gwadabawa LGAs.
Despite repeated warnings by local authorities regarding the security threat in the area, the hunters, armed with Dane guns and accompanied by their dogs, ventured deep into the forest, inadvertently entering a terrorist enclave.
“Three bodies have been recovered so far, while 10 remain unaccounted for. Some survivors have returned home,” a Tangaza resident, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, told reporters.
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Communities hit hardest include Kangiye, which lost five hunters; Chancha and Rantijadi, each with two; Gidan Kaji and Gandaba Yamma, one each; and Gandaba Gabas, with two hunters.
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