The police command in Zamfara, on Saturday, confirmed that some objects suspected to be improvised explosive devices exploded along the Magami–Dansadau Road in Maru LGA.

The command’s spokesman, Yazid Abubakar, confirmed.

Mr Abubakar, who declined to make further comments, said the information available to the command was sketchy.

He said the command was investigating to ascertain the cause of the incident.

The officer, however, promised to provide details of the explosion in a comprehensive statement.

A witness, Yunusa Isah, who was part of an escorted convoy travelling along the road, confirmed the incident to newsmen in a separate telephone interview.

According to him, suspected bandits planted triple explosives along the road between Maikogo and Mai’ayaya communities.

He explained that the explosions occurred while convoys of vehicles were escorted by security personnel along the road to the Dansadau Emirate.

The witness said the convoy was passing through the area when the blast reportedly destroyed two motorcycles and resulted in the death of four people.

“A second explosion later affected some trailers on the road, leading to the death of about five additional persons. The convoy was lengthy, and the point where the explosion occurred was towards the rear of the vehicles,” Mr Isah added.

He further disclosed that security operatives attached to the convoy engaged the attackers in a gun duel and pursued them into the nearby bushes.

The witness further stated that a woman reportedly fell off a moving vehicle in panic following the explosion and was accidentally run over by another vehicle, leading to her death.

He confirmed that security agencies had been reinforced in the area to ensure the safety of road users.

(NAN)