Ali Muhammad Rabi’u.
An explosion, caused by improvised explosive devices (IED), planted by suspected bandits in Woro community, Kaiama local government area of Kwara state, has killed a person and injured one other.
Radio Nigeria gathered that the incident, which happened today led to death of a commercial driver, while a nursing mother, also involved, was critically injured. The state Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, who confirmed the explosion debunked earlier reports indicating scores of victims in the incident.
The police boss said that the incident involved driver of a commercial Toyota vehicle a female passenger and a nursing mother with her young baby.
He said that the driver died on the spot after stepping on the IED, and that the woman sustained serious injury, but the the baby was unscathed.
He also said that the security situation in the area has been brought under control. A resident, Dr. Abdul Woro, said the device was planted along the road leading into the community and detonated as the vehicle approached.
“They planted the explosive on the road. As soon as the vehicle passed, it went off.
The driver died instantly and the woman was badly injured,” he said.For his part, the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, said the attack happened shortly after 7am, describing it as a calculated act of retaliation by criminal elements.
“The vehicle was carrying two passengers including the driver when the explosion occurred. Sadly, the driver lost his life on the spot due to the impact,” he said.He disclosed that the injured victim sustained severe wounds, including fractures and a deep head injury, and has been referred to Ilorin for advanced medical care following initial treatment.
Abdullahi linked the incident to recent security operations targeting the logistics network of bandits in the area, particularly the arrest of suspected collaborators and disruption of motorcycle supply chains used by the criminals.
“This is clearly a reaction. We recently arrested one of their major motorcycle suppliers and some of their members and they are not happy about it,” he said.He said there were two IEDs but only one detonated.
The council boss assured that security agencies have secured the area and restored calm, while maintaining heightened surveillance to forestall further attacks.
“The area has been secured, and the police have completed their operation there.He expressed worry over the role of informants in aiding criminal activities, calling on residents to support ongoing efforts to flush out bandits.
