Driver Perishes in Niger State After Vehicle Hits Improvised Explosive Device

A driver tragically died on Sunday afternoon when his truck, laden with yams, struck an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Lumma–Babanna road in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. Authorities suspect that terrorists active in the region planted the explosive.

Sources indicate that the detonation occurred around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. It was also reported that attackers shot and killed a motorcyclist following the initial IED placement.

This incident took place on a temporary bypass route that motorists had begun using after the main Lumma–Babanna bridge was destroyed. Residents confirmed that the makeshift road became necessary due to the bridge's collapse.

One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained that the destruction of the main bridge connecting the communities necessitated the creation of the alternative path. He stated, "As I am speaking with you now, there was another bomb attack in the area this afternoon. Many lives were lost when a commercial vehicle stepped on an IED suspected to have been planted by terrorists."

The resident highlighted the road's critical economic role, noting it links Kwara, Niger, and Kebbi states to the Republic of Benin, and is vital for the Babanna border market and the livelihoods of millions. He further elaborated on the lack of alternative routes from Wawa to Konkoso, emphasizing the disruption to transport and access to healthcare, which has increased mortality rates.

He cautioned that even if the government repairs the bridge, the security issues in the forest must be addressed to prevent further infrastructure destruction by terrorists.

The attack on the bypass follows the destruction of the main bridge linking Lumma, Babanna, and Agwara communities on March 23, 2026, at approximately 2:00 a.m. Security sources believe the bridge was targeted to impede ongoing security operations in the vicinity.

The spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the recent incident. He stated, "On 05/04/26 at about 2:50 p.m., an improvised explosive device suspected to have been planted by bandits exploded on a makeshift bypass created by road users beside the damaged bridge along Lumma road."

He added, "The attackers also shot dead a motorcyclist. A truck en route to Wawa stepped on another IED, which exploded, damaging the vehicle, and the driver was fatally affected. Joint security teams have been deployed to the area, and further developments will be communicated."

In a separate incident, armed individuals reportedly abducted an unspecified number of artisanal miners from a mining site in Mai Dangi, near Mangoro in the Mariga Local Government Area on Saturday afternoon. Reports indicate that the attackers shot a young girl who tried to escape.

The police spokesperson noted that the command would investigate this incident and provide an update.