Deadly Sallah Visit—Six Die, Three Injured in Sokoto IED Explosion
At least six men were killed and three women injured on Sunday afternoon in Gwabro village, Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, following the explosion of a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by the newly emerged Lakurawa terrorist group.
The tragic incident occurred during Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, a time when community members traditionally pay visits to relatives across villages.
According to a local source, the victims were on foot, traveling from Gwabro to nearby Zurmuku, when they unwittingly triggered the device.
“They were simply unfortunate,” the source said. “They may have touched the device without knowing what it was, and it exploded.”
Spokesperson for the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmed Rufai, confirmed the attack, noting that six male victims died on the spot, while three women sustained serious injuries.
The wounded have since been transferred to Tangaza General Hospital for treatment.
While the Tangaza LGA Chairman could not be reached for comments, his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Alhaji Garzali Raka, confirmed that the deceased have been buried in accordance with Islamic rites.
The attack has deepened concerns over the rise of the Lakurawa group, which is reportedly expanding its operations across Sokoto and Kebbi states, raising fears of more indiscriminate violence in rural areas.
