Bandits have reportedly attacked Yar Tasha village in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, leading to the tragic loss of 13 lives. The attack took place on the morning of Wednesday, December 4, around 8 a.m., when a commercial driver, who was transporting passengers, unknowingly drove over an explosive device believed to have been planted by the bandits.
Eyewitnesses described hearing a loud explosion, which is believed to have resulted from the device. Authorities are investigating whether the explosion was intentionally set by the bandits as part of their coordinated attack on the area.
This particular incident marks the second time in a week that the bandits have reportedly planted such devices along the same stretch of road. Residents have expressed their growing concerns, revealing that a similar device had been planted just days earlier, on Sunday, though it is unclear whether the device detonated. This pattern suggests that the bandits are deliberately targeting this specific axis, further intensifying fears within the local community.
In this latest explosion, a commercial vehicle, an 18-seater bus, was completely destroyed, and the sole occupant of the vehicle, the driver, tragically lost his life in the blast. According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle was traveling along the road when it struck the explosive device, causing an immediate and devastating explosion. The severity of the blast suggests that the bandits used a highly potent explosive, intended to cause significant damage to any vehicle that crossed its path.
A local resident, who asked to remain anonymous, explained that the community had recently conducted a collective effort to maintain and repair the road. The resident suggested that the bandits might have taken advantage of this opportunity, using the cover of roadwork to plant the device at a vulnerable location. The explosion, he said, occurred in an area that had been identified as a potential hotspot by locals due to its strategic positioning along the main route used by travelers.
Following the explosion, the injured victims were rushed to the Dansadau General Hospital for medical treatment. However, at present, no one is able to confirm the status of those victims, as it remains unclear whether they survived or succumbed to their injuries. Local sources have reported that the hospital is overwhelmed by the number of casualties, with medical personnel working tirelessly to treat the wounded.
Security forces, including both military and police units, have been deployed to the site of the explosion in an effort to secure the area and prevent further attacks. The presence of security personnel has been intensified along the Dansadau Road axis, as authorities work to investigate the origins of the explosive devices and identify those responsible for these violent attacks.
In light of these repeated attacks, residents have expressed increasing alarm over the rising threat posed by the bandits, who appear to be employing more sophisticated and deadly methods. The bandits’ use of explosive devices along critical roads is seen as a new and worrying tactic that raises serious concerns about the safety of travelers in the region. The locals have called on the state government to take urgent and effective action to address the situation, urging for stronger measures to end these attacks and restore peace to the area.
One local resident appealed to the state authorities to prioritize the security of the region, highlighting the urgent need for more robust surveillance and a permanent military presence along vulnerable routes. The community is also calling for enhanced coordination between local government agencies, the military, and law enforcement to prevent further incidents and dismantle the criminal networks behind these attacks. While the immediate response from security forces has been acknowledged, residents stress the importance of long-term solutions to ensure that such devastating incidents do not continue to threaten their lives and livelihoods.
In addition to the calls for increased security, many have expressed concerns about the broader socio-economic impacts of these attacks. The bandits’ actions have not only disrupted daily life but have also contributed to a growing sense of fear and insecurity. Farmers, traders, and travelers are all affected by the growing violence, which hinders the free movement of goods and people within the region. With the state of security deteriorating, many fear that the ongoing attacks could deter future investment and development in Zamfara State, further exacerbating the region’s economic challenges.
As the state government and security forces continue their efforts to combat the rising wave of banditry, it remains to be seen whether decisive action will be taken to curb these criminal activities and provide lasting peace for the people of Zamfara State.
