Eight persons have been feared dead following an explosion triggered by an improvised explosive device (IED) along Luma Road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The victims, comprising seven passengers and a driver, were reportedly travelling between Nuku and Woro in the early hours of Monday when their vehicle ran over the explosive device, leading to a fatal blast.
Sources disclosed that the IED was allegedly planted by suspected terrorists who had earlier, at about 2:00 a.m., used a similar device to destroy a critical bridge along the same route. The damaged bridge connected Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities, serving as a vital corridor for residents, particularly traders heading to the popular Babana border market, which holds every Monday.
The destruction of the bridge and the subsequent deadly explosion have heightened fears among residents, with concerns over safety and accessibility in the area.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said security operatives had commenced a clearance operation to secure the affected area and prevent further attacks.
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“On March 23, 2026, at about 6:30 a.m., a report indicated that earlier at about 2:00 a.m., suspected terrorists operating within the park forest deployed an explosive device and bombed a bridge along Luma Road in Borgu LGA, connecting Luma, Babana, and Agwara communities,” he stated.
Authorities are yet to release further details on the incident as investigations continue, while efforts are ongoing to restore calm and ensure the safety of residents in the affected communities.
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