By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Minna
A driver conveying yams has been killed after his truck ran over an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Lumma–Babanna road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when the vehicle, heading towards Wawa, triggered the explosive reportedly planted by suspected terrorists on a makeshift bypass.
Residents said the bypass was created by motorists following the earlier destruction of the main Lumma–Babanna bridge, which was bombed last month.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the attackers also shot dead a motorcycle rider shortly after planting the explosives, heightening fears among road users in the area.
A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said multiple explosions were recorded in the area on the same day, with several casualties feared.
He described the road as a critical economic corridor linking Niger, Kwara and Kebbi states to the Republic of Benin, warning that continued attacks could cripple trade and movement.
According to him, the Babanna border market and several communities including Wawa, Lumma, Shagunu and Konkoso rely solely on the route, which also serves as a major transit path for travellers heading to the South-West.
The resident further lamented the absence of functional alternative routes and tertiary healthcare facilities in the axis, noting that the disruption has worsened medical emergencies and increased mortality.
Police in Niger State confirmed the explosion, stating that the IED detonated on a makeshift road created beside the damaged bridge.
Spokesperson of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the blast damaged the truck and affected the driver, while a motorcyclist was shot dead by the attackers, adding that joint security teams have been deployed to the area.
Meanwhile, in a related development, suspected bandits reportedly abducted an unspecified number of artisanal miners at a mining site in Mai Dangi near Mangoro in Mariga Local Government Area, although police said the report was yet to be verified as of press time.
