- IED Blast: An explosion in Gwabro village resulted in multiple fatalities.
- Eid Celebration: The blast occurred during the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
- Local Terror: Suspicions point towards the Lakurawa terrorists as potential perpetrators.
- Community Plea: Locals are urging the government to intervene and restore peace.
Sokoto Mourns: Six Lives Lost in Eid Explosion
The Sokoto State Police have confirmed the death of six individuals following an explosion in Gwabro village, located in the Tangaza Local Government Area. The unfortunate event occurred on Sunday during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, casting a pall over the festive season.
Details of the Incident
According to Police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai, the explosion’s details remain scarce. An eyewitness named Hashimu recounted that the blast occurred in the afternoon when many young people were traveling between villages to visit family and friends, a common tradition during Eid.
Eyewitness Account
“We were celebrating Eid when suddenly a loud explosion shook the village,” Hashimu stated. “Many young people were on their way to visit relatives when it happened. It was a horrifying scene.”
Local Government Response
Garzali Raka, an aide to the Tangaza Local Government Chairman, confirmed that the deceased have been buried following Islamic rites. The local government is working to provide support to the affected families.
Suspicions of Terrorism
Local sources suggest that the Lakurawa terrorists, notorious for terrorizing communities in the Tangaza and Gudu local councils, may be responsible for planting the explosive. These terrorists have reportedly disrupted communal harmony, causing fear and unrest among the villagers. This group is known for using IEDs; according to a report by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START), IEDs are the weapon of choice for many terrorist groups.
Community Under Siege
Residents of Tangaza and Gudu have been living in fear due to the activities of the Lakurawa terrorists. The locals are pleading with the government to take decisive action against these criminals and restore peace to their communities.
Call for Government Intervention
The community is urging the government to deploy security forces and implement measures to protect them from further attacks. They emphasize the need for a swift and robust response to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of all residents. According to a recent Council on Foreign Relations report, increased security measures and community engagement are crucial to combating terrorism in Nigeria.