NO fewer than 10 people have been confirmed dead, while seven others sustained injuries following an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion along the Bagega–Anka Road in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
News Point Nigeria reports that the incident occurred at about 6:15pm on Monday when a commercial Volkswagen Golf 3 Wagon conveying passengers from Bagega to Anka reportedly ran over the explosive device allegedly planted by suspected bandits operating in the area.
The blast, which occurred between Tungar Kudaku and Bagega communities, triggered an immediate response from security operatives who were deployed to the scene for rescue and assessment operations.
Speaking on the incident earlier, the spokesperson for the Zamfara State Police Command, Yazid Abubakar, told journalists on Wednesday that one fatality and seven injuries had initially been recorded following the explosion.
Abubakar said the command swiftly deployed specialised tactical teams to the affected area for an on-the-spot assessment and search operations.
However, fresh findings from the scene revealed that the death toll was significantly higher than initially reported.
According to a security source, police tactical teams conducting ongoing search and recovery operations later recovered nine additional bodies from the blast site, bringing the total number of fatalities to 10.
“Following the deployment of security personnel to the affected area, an extensive assessment was carried out, leading to the recovery of nine additional bodies from the scene of the explosion,” a police source was quoted as saying.
The recovered bodies were reportedly evacuated to a hospital for autopsy and other necessary procedures before being released to their families for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.
In response to the tragedy, police authorities said security measures had been strengthened along the Anka–Bagega corridor to prevent further incidents and restore public confidence.
The command also disclosed that visibility patrols had been intensified along the route as part of broader efforts to enhance security, reassure road users and deter criminal activities in the area.
Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements, abandoned objects or unusual activities to security agencies.
They further assured members of the public of the command’s commitment to maintaining security and safeguarding lives and property across Zamfara State.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the explosion are ongoing.