A commercial driver has been confirmed dead following an improvised explosive device (IED) blast along the Lumma–Babanna road in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday afternoon.
According to sources, the vehicle—loaded with yams—ran over the explosive around 2:00 p.m., triggering a fatal explosion. The device is believed to have been planted by suspected terrorists operating within the area. In a separate but related incident, a motorcyclist was reportedly shot dead shortly after the explosive was planted.
Residents disclosed that the attack occurred along a makeshift bypass created by motorists after the destruction of the main Lumma–Babanna bridge. The bridge had earlier been blown up in a similar attack, forcing road users to improvise alternative routes.
A local resident, who spoke anonymously, described the situation as dire, noting that the affected road serves as a critical link between Niger, Kwara, and Kebbi states, as well as the Republic of Benin. The route is vital for trade, particularly for the Babanna border market, and supports the livelihoods of millions.
The resident further explained that the destruction of the bridge has left communities such as Wawa, Lumma, Shagunu, Babanna, and Konkoso with no viable access routes. He added that the road is also a key corridor for travellers moving between Sokoto and major southern cities like Ibadan and Lagos.
He also raised concerns about the healthcare crisis in the area, revealing that the absence of tertiary medical facilities has worsened the situation. According to him, referrals for critical patients have been severely disrupted for over a month, leading to a rise in preventable deaths.
Security concerns remain high, as residents fear that even if the damaged bridge is repaired, continued terrorist activity in the surrounding forests could lead to further destruction of infrastructure.
It would be recalled that on March 23, 2026, suspected terrorists believed to be operating from the Kainji National Park destroyed the main bridge linking Lumma, Babanna, and Agwara communities using explosives. Security sources indicated that the attack was intended to hinder ongoing military operations in the region.
Confirming the latest incident, the spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the explosion occurred at about 2:50 p.m. along the makeshift bypass beside the damaged bridge. He added that the attackers also killed a motorcyclist, while another truck heading toward Wawa struck a separate IED, resulting in the death of its driver.
Abiodun stated that joint security personnel have since been deployed to the area, assuring that further updates would be provided as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, in a related development, armed bandits reportedly abducted several artisanal miners at a mining site in Mai Dangi near Mangoro in Mariga Local Government Area. Witnesses said the attackers stormed the site on Saturday afternoon and shot a young girl who attempted to escape.
The police command has said it is working to verify the abduction and will release more details in due course.