…As IED explosion injures 5 in Zamfara
At least seven people were reported killed and three others abducted in a bandit attack on a border community in Sokoto State, while a separate suspected improvised explosive device (IED) explosion left five persons seriously injured in neighbouring Zamfara State on Thursday.
In Sokoto, according to a report by a security intelligence expert, Zagazola Makama, bandits stormed Kyara village in Sabon-Birni local government area in the early hours of the day, killing seven residents and kidnapping three others.
The village, located near the Niger Republic border, is said to be remote and without mobile phone network coverage, the report noted.
Sources said the attackers, who were reportedly in large numbers and armed with sophisticated weapons, invaded the community at about 4a.m, firing sporadically and causing panic among residents.
According to a source: “Seven villagers were shot dead during the raid, while two others sustained gunshot injuries. An unspecified number of livestock were also rustled by the attackers”.
Following the incident, “joint security forces were deployed to the area, where they evacuated the bodies of the deceased and the injured victims to a hospital for autopsy and medical treatment”, another source said.
Meanwhile, troops of the Nigerian military have since launched a manhunt for the assailants with the aim of rescuing the abducted villagers, recovering the stolen livestock and apprehending those responsible.
The report noted that security patrols are also ongoing in and around Kyara village, to reassure residents and prevent further attacks.
Meanwhile, in Zamfara State, five people sustained serious injuries after a suspected IED detonated along the Takalafiya–Gadar Zaima Road in Bukkuyum local government area. The explosion occurred at about 11:30a.m when a motorcycle conveying five passengers reportedly ran over an explosive device believed to have been planted by bandits targeting security patrols in the area.
The device exploded on contact, damaging the motorcycle and leaving all five occupants critically injured. “Security operatives immediately cordoned-off the road, restricting movement and advising residents to stay away from the area pending a comprehensive safety assessment”, another source said.
The injured victims were evacuated to the General Hospital in Gumi, where they are currently receiving treatment.
As of the time of filing this report, movement along the Takalafiya–Gadar-Zaima axis remains restricted as security agencies continue clearance operations to rule out the presence of additional explosive devices.
