THE death toll from the tragic explosion that rocked Gwabro village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State has increased to eight, following the deaths of two women who succumbed to injuries sustained during the blast.
The incident occurred on Sunday amid Eid-el-Kabir festivities and was caused by a locally made improvised explosive device (IED).
The device detonated as villagers were travelling from Gwabro to Zurmuku, near a known security post under a tree.
The Security Adviser to the Tangaza Council, Garzali Raka, confirmed the deaths and reiterated that Gwabro has been under bandit control for the past five years.
He identified Dorawa—the site of the explosion—as being close to Lakurawa camp, a stronghold of the terrorist group responsible for ongoing attacks in the area. Raka also revealed that unexploded devices had previously been found and neutralised in the vicinity.
Police spokesperson ASP Ahmed Rufai corroborated the account, explaining that the IED exploded during inter-village travels—a common tradition during the Sallah celebration.
An eyewitness, Hashimu, shared that the blast struck during a customary festive visit: “As is tradition, youths travel from one village to another to pay homage. It was during one of these visits that the explosion happened.”
Local sources also highlighted the persistent threats posed by the Lakurawa terrorists, who have long terrorised communities across Tangaza and neighbouring Gudu Local Government Areas.
The initial blast claimed six lives and injured many others, and the rising death toll has cast a dark shadow over the celebration. The tragedy has renewed public concern about security lapses in the region, with residents and officials alike calling for urgent government intervention to restore safety and stability.
The Sokoto explosion adds to a growing list of security-related incidents in northern Nigeria and has sparked renewed calls for stronger counter-terrorism efforts and humanitarian support for affected communities.