20251228

IED Explosion Rocks Zamfara Highway

A Tragic Afternoon on Zamfara’s Highway

On December 27, 2025, the usually busy Magami–Dansadau highway in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State became the stage of a devastating tragedy.

Around the Yar-gada community, an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated, shattering the calm of the afternoon and leaving behind scenes of chaos and grief. Witnesses described the sudden blast as deafening, followed by clouds of dust and cries of panic as travelers scrambled for safety.

The explosion struck a trailer carrying passengers and farm produce, as well as several motorcyclists traveling along the road. Reports confirmed that at least seven people lost their lives instantly, including five passengers in the truck and four motorcycle riders.

One of the injured later succumbed to wounds, raising the toll further. Survivors recounted the horror of seeing vehicles torn apart and fellow travelers lying lifeless on the ground. Videos shared online captured the frantic aftermath, with people fleeing in terror and others rushing to help the wounded.

Authorities quickly moved to respond. The Zamfara State Police Command confirmed the incident, noting that the blast occurred around 2:30 pm near Maikogo village

The police spokesperson, Yazid Abubakar, explained that the device was suspected to have been planted deliberately by unknown individuals. Security operatives were deployed to secure the area, investigate the circumstances, and prevent further attacks.

Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the Zamfara State Governor on Broadcast Media, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, also confirmed the tragedy, emphasizing that the government was monitoring the situation closely.

For residents of Zamfara, the incident was not just another headline but a painful reminder of the insecurity that has plagued the region. The Magami–Dansadau road is notorious for being one of the most dangerous highways in the state, often targeted by criminal groups. 

The blast deepened fears among locals who already live under the shadow of violence, kidnappings, and banditry. Communities along the highway were thrown into mourning, with families grieving loved ones who had set out on what should have been routine journeys.

The tragedy also sparked broader conversations about safety and governance. Many Nigerians expressed outrage and sorrow, demanding stronger measures to protect travelers and dismantle the networks behind such attacks. 

The incident underscored the vulnerability of rural highways, where security presence is often thin and travelers are left exposed.

In the end, the story of the IED explosion on Zamfara’s highway is not just about numbers or statistics. It is about lives abruptly cut short, families shattered, and a community once again forced to confront the fragility of peace.

The blast at Yar-gada stands as a grim chapter in Zamfara’s ongoing struggle with insecurity, a reminder that behind every headline lies human suffering and the urgent need for solutions.

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