The number of fatalities from the explosion in Gwabro village, in the Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State, has increased to eight after two more women died from injuries sustained from the blast.

The blast occurred during Eid-el-Kabir celebrations and was caused by a locally made improvised explosive device (IED).

Garzali Raka, Security Adviser to the Tangaza Council, confirmed the update, noting that Gwabro has been under bandit control for five years.

The explosion site, Dorawa, is near Lakurawa camp — a known bandit stronghold. Raka also mentioned previous discoveries of unexploded devices in the area that were neutralised by heat before detonation.

Police spokesperson in the state ASP Ahmed Rufai confirmed that the IED exploded as victims traveled from Gwabro to Zurmuku, detonating near a security post under a tree close to Zurmuku—another area plagued by banditry.

Giving a vivid account of what transpired, an eyewitness, who simply gave his name as Hashimu, said the sad incident happened Sunday afternoon during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Hashimu, who said as it’s the tradition, people especially, youths usually go from village to village to visit relatives and pay Sallah homage, added that it was while on the trip that they encountered the ugly blast.

Other sources in the village said the Lakurawa terrorists have been terrorising members of various villagers in the two local councils of Tangaza and Gudu, and called on the government to react appropriately to the terrorists disturbing the peace of communities.

The incident, which initially claimed six lives and injured many, marred the festive season and renewed fears about ongoing insecurity.

Residents and officials have since called for strengthened security measures to curb further violence and restore peace to the state. (Channels TV: Text, Excluding Headline)