Citizens of Dansadau- Magami highway in Maru Local Government of Zamfara and citizens of Zamfara state were gripped with panic following multiple explosions suspected to have been caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the road.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosions occurred at different points along the road, specifically near Mai Aya Aya village and shortly before the Kwankelai junction.
Local accounts said a primary blast struck vehicles plying the route, followed shortly by a second explosion, raising fears of a coordinated “double-tap” attack, a tactic used to target both initial victims and those attempting to render assistance.
The Police Command in the state confirmed the incident but noted that the exact number of casualties is still being ascertained.
Police Public Relations Officer, Yazid Abubakar, stated that security operatives have been deployed to the area to secure the road and commence a formal investigation.
He said that following the blasts, security forces moved in to provide armed escorts for stranded vehicles, as movement along the critical Dansadau–Magami axis was severely disrupted.
Panic struck and frightened travellers fled the scene amid reports of damaged vehicles and fatalities, though these claims await official verification.
According to eyewitnesses the attack may be part of an attempt by bandits to disrupt ongoing road construction and instil fear in the community.
The people urged the government to intensify patrols along major highways in the state.
Nuhu Sada, an SDP chieftain and former House of Assembly candidate, described the explosions as a tragic assault on innocent citizens.
He called on security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further incursions and bring those responsible to justice.
This incident in Zamfara comes less than 72 hours after Nigerian and U.S. authorities conducted precision airstrikes on ISIS-linked terrorist enclaves in neighbouring Sokoto State on Christmas Day.
