Seven people were killed on Sunday when a motorcycle struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) allegedly planted by suspected Lakurawa insurgents in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The victims, who were returning from a Sallah celebration in Gwabro village, were travelling on motorcycles when one of them struck the explosive device.
The IED was reportedly planted beneath a tree commonly used as a rest point by military personnel during operations in the area.
According to local sources, six men died instantly, while one of the two injured girls succumbed to her injuries the following day.
Confirming the incident, the Special Assistant to the Chairman of Tangaza LGA, Alhaji Ghazzali Rakah, said the victims were residents of Zurmuku village.
“They were returning from a Sallah visit and decided to rest under the tree, which is known to be a spot frequented by troops during operations,” Rakah explained.
“It is likely that the Lakurawa insurgents planted the device in anticipation of military presence.”
He said a bomb disposal unit from the Nigeria Police had been deployed to the area to search for additional explosive devices.
Sunday’s tragedy is not the first of its kind in the region.
A few months ago, several soldiers were killed in a similar IED incident while on routine patrol in the same local government area.
Security remains a significant concern in parts of Sokoto State, with local authorities calling for intensified counter-insurgency efforts to curb the activities of armed groups.(Daily trust)
