One passenger killed, others injured in Sokoto IED explosion

Monday, June 29, 2026 - A passenger has been confirmed dead while several others sustained injuries after a commercial vehicle struck a suspected Improvised Explosive Device allegedly planted by bandits along the Kurawa–Sabon Birni road in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday as the vehicle was conveying commuters from neighbouring communities to Sabon Birni town.

A security analyst, Bashir Altine Guyawa, who disclosed the incident on his Facebook page, said the vehicle unknowingly ran over the explosive device during a routine morning trip.

“A passenger vehicle conveying commuters to Sabon Birni this morning struck an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) allegedly planted by loyalists of a notorious bandit leader along the Kurawa–Sabon Birni road,” Guyawa stated.

He added that the explosion killed one passenger and left several others with varying degrees of injuries.

“The explosion claimed the life of one passenger, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” he said.

Residents who responded to the scene described the aftermath as devastating, with the force of the explosion severely damaging the vehicle and leaving victims trapped in the wreckage.

An eyewitness who participated in the rescue operation said panic engulfed the area immediately after the blast.

“We heard a loud explosion and rushed to the scene. The vehicle was badly damaged, and people were crying for help as residents tried to rescue the victims,” the eyewitness said.

The injured were reportedly evacuated to nearby medical facilities for treatment, while the body of the deceased was recovered from the scene.

The attack has heightened fears among residents of Sabon Birni and surrounding communities, where recurring bandit attacks have continued to threaten lives and disrupt economic activities.

As of the time of filing this report, the Sokoto State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident.

Calls and text messages sent to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ahmad Rufai, were not responded to.

Authorities are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion and identify those responsible for planting the suspected explosive device.