By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
No fewer than six men have died and three women have sustained various injuries from a suspected improvised explosive device (IED), believed to be set by the newly formed Lakurawa terrorist group operating in Sokoto and Kebbi States.
The incident took place in Gwabro village, within the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, raising concerns about the group’s increasing infamy.
An eyewitness, who preferred to be known as Malam Hashimu, recounted the events, stating that the unfortunate incident occurred on Sunday afternoon during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
Hashimu explained that, as per tradition, people, particularly the youth, typically visit relatives from village to village to pay Salah homage. It was during this visit that they encountered the tragic explosion.
“They were simply unfortunate. These innocent victims were walking from Gwabro to the nearby Zurmuku community when they stumbled upon the device. Perhaps unaware of its nature, they may have touched it, which resulted in the explosion.”
Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed that the explosion indeed led to the deaths of six men and serious injuries to three women.
Hashimu, who echoed the casualty details, added that the injured individuals were taken to Tangaza General Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Although attempts to reach the chairman of Tangaza Local Government before this story was published were unsuccessful, his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Alhaji Garzali Raka, confirmed that those who perished in the explosion have been buried according to Islamic rites.
In light of this troubling situation, another resident from Tangaza remarked that the threats posed by the Lakurawa terrorist group are nearing a peak, as they have now transitioned to manufacturing improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
He noted that the Lakurawa group has long oppressed and extorted the locals, resulting in the deaths and displacement of communities unable to meet their demands.
“These individuals are not Nigerians; they continue to invite their compatriots to come here, not just because of our porous borders, but also due to the presence of individuals who welcome them among us.
“They execute their wicked plans undetected and unpunished, returning to their homeland with the spoils of this war they have declared against us.”
