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By Lizzy Chirkpi
An improvised explosive device (IED) detonated early Wednesday morning along the Gusau–Funtua highway in Zamfara State, severely damaging a cement-laden truck and triggering panic among motorists.
The explosion occurred near Unguwar Mai Chida village as the truck, en route from Sokoto to Kaduna, passed through the area. The blast destroyed the front section of the vehicle, but the driver, Dauda Adamu, survived and was rescued by fellow road users.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion as the deafening explosion forced motorists and pedestrians to flee for safety.
“The explosion was incredibly loud. Drivers stopped far away from the scene because no one was sure what had happened,” said Lawali, a commercial driver who assisted in evacuating the injured driver. “We had to wait until security officials arrived before moving closer.”
Residents believe the device may have been planted to target security operatives, a tactic increasingly reported along major highways in the state.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, said the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit was immediately deployed to secure the area and commence investigation.
“Our operatives responded swiftly. The scene has been secured, and efforts are ongoing to ensure the safety of commuters along the route,” he stated.
The attack came barely hours after security forces reopened the Kucheri–Danjibga–Keta road in Tsafe Local Government Area, which had been closed for over a month due to similar threats.
Last week, a Nigerian Army Armoured Personnel Carrier reportedly detonated another planted device along the Keta–Danjibga axis, underscoring the persistent danger facing both civilians and security personnel.
Security agencies have urged travelers to exercise caution while patrols and clearance operations are intensified across vulnerable corridors in the state.