At least eight people have been killed after suspected bandits bombed a key bridge connecting Wawa and Luma communities in Borgu Local Government Area, Niger State.
The explosion occurred in the early hours of Monday and was reportedly caused by explosives planted by the attackers. The blast severely damaged the bridge linking Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities—a vital route for residents and traders, especially those traveling to the Babana border market, held every Monday.
Sources said the victims were traveling in a vehicle between Nuku and Woro when it ran over an improvised explosive device (IED), killing all seven passengers, including the driver. Authorities believe the attack is part of a larger effort by the group to disrupt movement in the area.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident. Spokesperson SP Wasiu Abiodun said the attackers, believed to be operating from Kainji National Park, planted the IED to destroy the bridge.
“On 23rd March 2026 at about 6:30 a.m., a report was received that earlier, at around 2:00 a.m., suspected terrorists from the park forest used an explosive device to bomb a bridge along Luma Road in Borgu LGA, connecting Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities. The bridge was damaged in what appears to be an attempt to undermine security operations in the area. Monitoring continues, while clearance operations have been intensified,” he stated.
Additional explosions were also reported between Rafingiwa and Babana, as well as at Woro and Kaiama, prompting residents to flee. Casualty figures from these blasts are yet to be confirmed.
