At least six persons were killed and six others injured on Thursday after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded along the Bagega–Anka road in Zamfara State.
The victims were travelling in a commercial vehicle when the explosive detonated at about 9am in Anka Local Government Area of the state.
Residents said the blast occurred suddenly as the vehicle passed through the road, leaving passengers and nearby villagers in panic. The explosion reportedly destroyed parts of the vehicle and temporarily disrupted movement along the busy route.
Eyewitnesses said some of the passengers died instantly, while others suffered serious injuries from the impact of the explosion.
The injured victims were later evacuated to a hospital for medical treatment.
The spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the incident.
According to him, six people lost their lives in the explosion, while six others were currently receiving treatment.
He said security operatives had been deployed to the area following the attack.
“Normal activities have resumed, and security personnel are on ground to ensure the safety of residents and travellers,” the police spokesman said.
Residents of the area blamed suspected bandits for planting the explosive device along the road.
Although police authorities have not officially identified those behind the attack, local sources said criminal groups operating in the area have increasingly used dangerous tactics to target communities and travellers.
The Bagega–Anka road is one of the routes frequently used by residents, traders and transport operators in the area. However, insecurity has remained a major challenge in many parts of Zamfara State, especially in rural communities.
For several years, Zamfara has been at the centre of armed banditry in the North-West region. Armed groups have carried out attacks on villages, highways and mining communities, leading to deaths, abductions and destruction of property.
Bandits operating in the state are known for kidnapping travellers and villagers for ransom, rustling cattle and attacking security personnel. In recent years, security agencies have also raised concern over the growing use of explosives by criminal groups in parts of the region.
Residents say many communities in Anka, Bukkuyum, Maru and other local government areas continue to face regular attacks despite military operations aimed at restoring peace.
Thursday’s explosion has again raised fears among travellers and residents over safety on major roads in the state.
Some commuters who spoke after the incident called on the Federal Government and security agencies to increase patrols on highways and strengthen intelligence gathering to prevent further attacks.
A resident of Anka, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said people in the area now travel in fear because of repeated attacks by armed groups.
“We are worried about the security situation. People are afraid to travel because nobody knows where the next attack will happen,” he said.
Another resident said the use of explosives by suspected bandits showed that criminal groups were becoming more dangerous.
“This is no longer just about kidnappings or shootings. Now explosives are being planted on roads used by innocent people,” he said.
In recent months, the military and other security agencies have carried out several operations against bandit hideouts in Zamfara and neighbouring states. Authorities say many camps have been destroyed and several suspects arrested.
Despite these efforts, attacks continue to occur in remote communities where residents often complain of poor security presence and difficult road conditions.
The latest incident is expected to renew calls for stronger collaboration between security agencies, local authorities and community leaders to tackle insecurity in Zamfara and other troubled states in the region.
Meanwhile, sympathisers and relatives of the victims gathered at hospitals and homes of affected families following the tragedy.
Community leaders in the area urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies investigating the explosion.