By AFUSAT AGUNBIADE-OLADIPO

The Police Command in Kwara has confirmed the death of one person due to an explosion caused by improvised explosive devices (IED) planted by suspected bandits in Woro, Kaiama Local Government area.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Adekimi Ojo, who confirmed the incident debunked earlier reports indicating scores of people died in the incident.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident, which happened on Monday morning led to the death of a commercial driver, while a nursing mother was critically injured.

Ojo said that the incident involved a driver of a commercial Toyota vehicle and the female passenger; a nursing mother with her baby.

He said that the driver died on the spot after stepping on the IED, adding that the woman sustained serious injury.

The CP, however, said that the baby was unscathed.

Ojo also said that security situation in the area has been brought under control.

A resident, Dr Abdul Woro, said the device was planted along the road leading into the community and detonated as the vehicle approached.

“They planted the explosive on the road. As soon as the vehicle passed, it went off. The driver died instantly and the woman was badly injured,” he said.

Also confirming the incident, the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi, said the attack happened shortly after 7:00a.m., describing it as a calculated act of retaliation by criminal elements.

“The vehicle was carrying two passengers including the driver when the explosion occurred.

“Sadly, the driver lost his life on the spot due to the impact,” he said.

The chairman said that the injured victim sustained severe wounds, including fractures and a deep head injury, and has been referred to Ilorin for advanced medical care following initial treatment.

Abdullahi linked the incident to recent security operations targeting the logistics network of bandits in the area, particularly the arrest of suspected collaborators and disruption of motorcycle supply chains used by the criminals.

“This is clearly a reaction. We recently arrested one of their major motorcycle suppliers and some of their members and they are not happy about it,” he said.

Abdullahi said that there were two IEDs but only one detonated.

The council boss assured that security agencies have secured the area and restored calm, while maintaining heightened surveillance to forestall further attacks.

“The area has been secured, and the police have completed their operation there.

He, however, raised alarm over the role of informants in aiding criminal activities, calling on residents to support ongoing efforts to flush out bandits.

“We are calling on residents to support security agencies with credible information,” he added. (NAN)

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