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Tragedy struck in Sokoto State on Sunday as a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast claimed the lives of six people during the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations. The incident, which occurred in Gwabro village within Tangaza Local Government Area, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised fresh concerns about security in the region.
The Sokoto State Police Command confirmed the deaths in an official statement issued on Monday. Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ahmad Rufai, verified that six individuals lost their lives in the explosion but did not provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the blast.
While investigations are ongoing, eyewitness accounts and local sources have begun to paint a picture of what transpired on that fateful day.
An eyewitness, identified simply as Hashimu, shared a firsthand account of the tragic event. According to him, the blast occurred in the afternoon while villagers were taking part in the traditional Eid festivities. It is customary in many parts of northern Nigeria for young people to travel from one village to another during Eid to visit relatives, friends, and neighbours in a spirit of communal celebration.
Hashimu explained that the explosion took place amid one of these visits, as groups of youths were moving between villages exchanging greetings and joining communal feasts.
“People were going around celebrating, as it is the tradition during Eid,” he said. “Many young people were visiting other villages. It was during one of these visits that the bomb exploded.”
The unexpected blast turned what should have been a joyous occasion into a scene of chaos and mourning.
In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, community leaders and local officials acted swiftly to manage the situation. An aide to the Chairman of Tangaza Local Government, Garzali Raka, confirmed that the deceased victims had since been buried in accordance with Islamic customs.
Raka described the incident as a deeply painful loss for the community and called for calm as authorities worked to uncover those responsible.
“The victims have been buried according to Islamic rites,” he stated. “This is a very sad moment for our people. We ask for prayers and strength for the families of the victims.”
Though no group has officially claimed responsibility for the attack, several local sources have pointed to the Lakurawa terrorists as the likely perpetrators. The Lakurawa armed group, known for its violent activities in Sokoto and neighbouring areas, has reportedly been harassing communities within Tangaza and nearby Gudu Local Government Areas for several months.
Multiple residents from affected villages have voiced concerns over the group’s increasing boldness and deadly tactics. They allege that the terrorists have routinely targeted villages, extorted locals, and disrupted community life, leaving a trail of fear and uncertainty.
Some sources believe the IED may have been deliberately planted in a location frequented by villagers during the Eid celebrations, intending to cause mass casualties and spread fear.
“The Lakurawa terrorists have been tormenting villages in Tangaza and Gudu for a while now,” one villager said. “It wouldn’t be a surprise if they planted the explosive to disrupt our Eid celebrations and make people afraid to gather.”
In the wake of the incident, several residents and community leaders have renewed calls on the government to intensify security operations in Sokoto’s troubled regions. They urged both state and federal authorities to respond decisively to the activities of the Lakurawa group and other criminal elements threatening peace in the area.
The villagers stressed that attacks like this have become all too frequent and that proactive measures are needed to restore security, especially during religious and cultural festivities when large gatherings are common.
“We cannot continue living in fear,” a local leader remarked. “We need the government to act. Our people deserve to celebrate their festivals without worrying about bombs or gunmen.”
While addressing the media, Sokoto police spokesperson Ahmad Rufai confirmed that security agencies had launched an investigation to determine the source of the explosion and track down those responsible. He reassured residents that efforts were underway to tighten security in the affected communities.
“We are working to uncover the circumstances behind this unfortunate incident,” Rufai stated. “The safety of our communities is our priority, and we are collaborating with other security agencies to prevent future occurrences.”
As Sokoto mourns the loss of six of its citizens, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the persistent security challenges facing parts of northern Nigeria. The hope among residents is that this tragedy will prompt stronger security interventions to protect lives and preserve the sanctity of cultural and religious gatherings.