Many travelers have been feared killed after a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau way in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Yazid Abubakar, reportedly confirmed the incident to Daily Post on Saturday.
According to Daily Post, he confirmed it in a telephone interview, where he said, “I can confirm that there was a blast in that area, but the incident just happened. I can’t tell you details yet. I will update you later.”
Videos of the alleged aftermath of the incident have been circulating online, showing travelers fleeing the scene in panic.
An X user, Nuhu Sada with the handle #NuhuSada0, who was the SDP candidate for Kaduna State House of Assembly, representing Zaria Kewaye Constituency in the 2025 Bye-Election posted, “Another tragic attack on innocent travelers in Zamfara. Families are grieving, lives are lost, and property destroyed. Security agencies must act quickly to prevent further harm and bring those responsible to justice.”
Another X user #DanKatsina50, posted: “BREAKING NEWS: Moment ago, an explosion struck travelers on the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau way in Maru LGA, Zamfara State. The blast suspected to be an IED planted by bandits caused deaths and loss of property; casualties remain unconfirmed. Are security agencies investigating and what measures are being taken to secure this route?”
Zamfara has remained one of the states most affected by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West, with frequent attacks on highways, villages and rural communities, often resulting in deaths, abductions and destruction of property.
On December 12, many passengers were reportedly killed as a vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device (IED), reportedly planted by bandits in Zamfara State.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism publication, the explosion affected many passengers who were travelling in a Toyota Eagle Eye vehicle.
The passengers were said to be travelling from Gwashi when the incident occurred.
Similarly, on December 10, a truck carrying onions from Baga to Maiduguri struck an explosive device in Lingir Village, Guzamala LGA, injuring the driver and three passengers.
Just four days earlier, another tragic incident occurred in Bama LGA, where four children were killed, and one was injured after an IED went off behind the Banki motor park.