A suspected bomb explosion in Yar Tasha village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, has left an unconfirmed number of travelers dead and several others injured.
The incident occurred on the morning of Wednesday, December 4, 2024, along the Dansadau-Gusau Road when a commercial vehicle hit an explosive device reportedly planted by bandits. Eyewitnesses stated that the blast destroyed the vehicle, resulting in multiple casualties.
Local residents expressed concern over the growing threat of explosives in the area. “We recently conducted community work on the road, and the bandits used that opportunity to plant the device at one of the spots,” a Yar Tasha resident said.
Victims were rushed to Dansadau General Hospital, though their conditions remain unclear. Security forces, including soldiers and police, have been deployed to the site to investigate and ensure the safety of the area.
According to Abdullahi Dansadau, another resident, the explosion involved a Volkswagen Golf 3 vehicle, killing at least six individuals and injuring eight others. “The vehicle was destroyed completely,” he recounted.
This marks the second explosion in the Dansadau region within a week, highlighting a concerning shift in tactics by bandits. “Government should take decisive measures to stop this trend. Otherwise, traveling by road will become nearly impossible for residents,” warned a local leader.
Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansar Yamma, acknowledged the incident and emphasized the importance of holding those responsible accountable. “The safety and security of our citizens are of paramount importance. We are working closely with local law enforcement to address this issue,” he said in a statement.
Residents have called on authorities to implement more effective measures to curb the growing threat of banditry and explosives in the region, stressing the need for vigilance among security personnel and local communities alike.
