6-Month-Old Baby Escapes as Bandits' IED Claims Driver's Life and Injures Woman in Kwara

A six-month-old baby narrowly escaped on Monday when an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by bandits detonated along a road in Woro community, situated in the Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The explosion resulted in the death of a commercial driver, while a woman sustained severe injuries.

This alarming event has increased concerns regarding security in the region.

Attempts to obtain official confirmation from the police were unsuccessful at the time of reporting, as the state's police spokesperson could not be reached.

Local resident Dr. Abdul Woro described the explosion's location as approximately one kilometer from the community, calling the incident shocking. He reported, "The explosive was placed on the road. As the vehicle passed over it, it detonated. The driver died instantly, and the woman was critically injured."

Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, the chairman of Kaiama Local Government, confirmed that the explosion occurred shortly after 7 am. "The vehicle only had two passengers: the driver and a woman with her six-month-old baby boy. Unfortunately, the driver lost his life immediately due to the blast’s force," he stated.

Abdullahi elaborated on the condition of the injured passengers, saying, "The woman suffered serious wounds, including a deep gash on the head and several fractures. She received immediate first aid, and we have instructed that she be transferred to Ilorin for adequate medical treatment upon the Governor's direction."

He suggested that the attack was retaliation for recent operations that targeted the logistics networks of bandits in the area. "This is clearly a response to our recent actions. We apprehended one of their principal motorcycle suppliers and their associates. They had provided around 50 motorcycles to these criminals. However, we caught three of their riders who came to pick up the four remaining motorcycles, which interrupted their activities, and they are obviously displeased,"

He continued, stating, "We have the upper hand over them currently, and their actions are an attempt to retaliate and instill fear within the community."

The chairman also noted that additional explosives had been discovered at the site but were successfully neutralized. "Two IEDs were planted. One detonated while the other was located by the police bomb disposal unit and safely detonated. This timely intervention prevented what could have been a more significant disaster," he explained.

Updating the situation, Abdullahi mentioned that security forces have secured the area. "The police have finished their operations there, and calm has returned, but we remain on high alert."

He expressed concerns about possible internal sabotage, suggesting that informants might be collaborating with the attackers. "These criminals cannot achieve success without local support. Informants are a key part of the issue, and we need to tackle that. We urge residents to assist security agencies with credible intelligence,” he urged.

This incident follows a period during which around 150 individuals were reportedly killed, and numerous homes were destroyed in coordinated attacks on Woro community.

In response to prior violence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered the military's deployment to the affected areas in an effort to restore order.

To combat the worsening security situation, the military launched 'Operation Savannah Shield' in the area last month, aimed at addressing the rising threats and displacing residents and farmers.

"We remain committed. With the military and other security personnel's assistance, we will continue to pursue those responsible for these attacks until the region is entirely safe," Abdullahi promised.