Amanze Chinonye
Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned Saturday’s improvised explosive device (IED) attack along the Magami–Dansadau highway in Zamfara State, describing it as another painful reminder of Nigeria’s deepening security crisis.
In a statement issued hours after the incident, Obi said the Zamfara explosion, which killed at least seven persons, came just days after a similar bombing in Borno State, stressing that insecurity has become “far too normal” across the country. He urged authorities to place the protection of human life at the centre of national priorities and address the root causes of violence, including poverty, unemployment and economic collapse.
No fewer than seven people were killed when the IED detonated on Saturday afternoon around the Yar-gada community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, in Nigeria’s North-West region. The explosion triggered panic among residents and road users along the busy Magami–Dansadau route.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelA resident of Dansadau, Abubakar Dansadau, told Channels Television that the blast affected a trailer conveying passengers and farm produce, as well as several motorcyclists. According to him, five passengers in the truck and four motorcycle riders were initially hit, while one injured victim later died, bringing the officially confirmed death toll to seven.
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Confirming the incident, the Senior Special Assistant to the Zamfara State Governor on Broadcast Media and Public Affairs, Mustapha Jafaru Kaura, said the explosion was caused by an IED allegedly planted by fleeing bandits loyal to the notorious bandit leader, Dogo Gide.
Kaura explained that troops had earlier engaged the bandits in the area and neutralised some of them, but were unaware that explosives had been planted along the route between Yar-gada and Mai-hayahaya villages.
Also confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Joint Task Force, North-West Operation Fansan Yamma, Captain David Adewusi, said the explosion was not the result of a foreign airstrike but an IED planted by terrorists.
In his reaction, Obi expressed condolences to the people of Zamfara and Borno States, noting that millions of Nigerians are weary of repeated attacks that should have been contained. He said Nigeria must move beyond excuses and embrace competence, compassion and accountability, warning that no nation can progress when its citizens live in constant fear.
The Zamfara blast adds to growing concerns over the increasing use of explosive devices by armed groups in the North-West, a region already grappling with persistent banditry, kidnappings and attacks on rural communities.
One of those injured later succumbed to the injuries sustained. He said seven deaths had been officially confirmed as of Saturday evening.
The incident comes days after Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, visited several troubled communities along the Dansadau axis, becoming the first sitting governor to visit the area since 2011.
The governor’s visit is part of efforts to address insecurity and reconnect with affected communities.
A Call for National Responsibility
I have just received the heartbreaking news about the bombing in Zamfara a few hours ago. This tragic report comes just days after the bombing in Borno, at a time when families should have been gathered in peace, celebrating life and hope.
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of insecurity that has become far too normal across our country. What is most concerning is that these attacks continue despite repeated assurances from the government.
The protection of human life must return to the forefront of our national priorities. We must also address the root causes that continue to fuel violence: poverty, unemployment, and the collapse of local economies and businesses. When people are abandoned by their leaders, desperation and crime thrive. A secure Nigeria cannot emerge without a productive Nigeria one that creates opportunities, restores trust, and lifts citizens out of poverty.
To the people of Zamfara and Borno, my deepest condolences go out to you all. Your grief is shared by millions of Nigerians who are weary of burying victims of terrorism that should have been contained long ago.
Nigeria must do better. We need to move away from excuses and embrace competence, compassion, and accountability. No country can progress when its citizens live in fear. We owe it to every Nigerian both those who are alive today and those we have lost to finally build a nation where life is valued and protected.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
