KEY POINTS

• Several people were killed after a vehicle drove over an IED in Nuku village near Woro, Kaiama LGA of Kwara State.
• The blast occurred near a community previously attacked in February, heightening tension and fear of renewed violence.
• Kwara government confirmed the explosion as security agencies increase surveillance while casualty figures remain unclear.

Tension has gripped Nuku village near Woro community in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State after several people were reportedly killed when a vehicle drove over an Improvised Explosive Device, IED.

The IED, suspected to have been planted by bandits, detonated Monday morning as the car approached the community, causing a loud blast that triggered panic across nearby settlements. Only one survivor was reported among the occupants of the vehicle.

Eyewitnesses said the IED explosion occurred about 200 metres from Woro, a community still recovering from a February 3 attack by suspected terrorists that reportedly left nearly 200 people dead and about 176 abducted.

Residents described the latest IED explosion as devastating, noting that the incident has heightened fears of renewed attacks in Kaiama Local Government Area and surrounding communities.

Casualty figure unclear as residents demand security

The exact number of casualties has yet to be officially confirmed, but locals said multiple deaths were recorded. Community members called for increased security presence to prevent further attacks and protect vulnerable settlements.

Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Kwara State Police Command were unsuccessful, while the Chief Press Secretary to the governor initially could not confirm the development at press time.

The Kwara State Government later confirmed the incident, describing it as a disturbing development in a region already facing security challenges.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the IED detonated along a road outside the community as a vehicle passed over it. He noted that the explosion occurred some distance from Woro.

The Special Assistant on Media to the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area, ZulQharnain Shero Musa, also confirmed that the IED explosion resulted in casualties, though the full extent remained unclear. Community leaders have since urged residents to remain calm while security agencies intensify surveillance in the area.