A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) planted by the newly-emerged Lakurawa terrorist group has killed six men and injured three women in Sokoto State during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday afternoon in Gwabro village, Tangaza Local Government Area. According to local sources, the victims were partaking in the traditional Sallah visits between neighboring communities when they inadvertently triggered the device while walking from Gwabro to the nearby Zurmuku village.
“They were simply unfortunate. The victims likely touched the device without knowing what it was, leading to the explosion,” a resident said.
The spokesperson of the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the incident, stating that six men died on the spot while three women sustained serious injuries. The injured were immediately taken to Tangaza General Hospital for treatment.
This attack has heightened fears about the growing audacity of the Lakurawa group, which is believed to operate across Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Just last month, the same group ambushed and killed at least 13 local hunters in Hurumi Forest, Talewa ward of Tangaza LGA. The hunters, drawn from various communities in Tangaza and Gwadabawa LGAs, had embarked on a seasonal expedition despite security warnings.
Only three bodies have been recovered from that attack so far, with 10 hunters still missing. A local source reported that some survivors have managed to return home. The most affected communities include Kangiye (5 hunters lost), Chancha and Rantijadi (2 each), Gidan Kaji and Gandaba Yamma (1 each), and Gandaba Gabas (2).
Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and avoid high-risk areas.
