Many travellers are feared dead following a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Saturday.

The incident, which reportedly occurred earlier in the day, involved a blast believed to have targeted commuters plying the busy highway linking several communities in the area.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Zamfara State Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, told journalists in a telephone interview that an explosion had indeed taken place, but said details were still sketchy.

“I can confirm that there was a blast in that area, but the incident just happened. I can’t tell you details yet. I will update you later,” Abubakar said.

Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media platforms showed scenes of panic, with travellers fleeing the area following the blast, amid fears of further explosions or attacks.

Reacting to the incident, an X (formerly Twitter) user, Mr Nuhu Sada, who was the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate for the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Zaria Kewaye Constituency, in the 2025 bye-election, described the incident as tragic.

“Another tragic attack on innocent travellers in Zamfara. Families are grieving, lives are lost, and property destroyed. Security agencies must act quickly to prevent further harm and bring those responsible to justice,” he wrote.

Another social media user, identified as #DanKatsina50, alleged that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by bandits.

“BREAKING NEWS: Moments ago, an explosion struck travellers on the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau way in Maru LGA, Zamfara State. The blast, suspected to be an IED planted by bandits, caused deaths and loss of property. Casualties remain unconfirmed,” the post read.

Zamfara State has remained one of the states most affected by banditry in Nigeria’s North-West zone, with persistent attacks on highways, rural communities and villages, often resulting in deaths, abductions and large-scale destruction of property.

On Dec. 12, several passengers were reportedly killed when a commercial vehicle ran over an improvised explosive device allegedly planted by bandits in the state.

According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-terrorism publication, the explosion involved a Toyota “Eagle Eye” vehicle conveying passengers from Gwashi, leaving many casualties.

Similarly, on Dec. 10, a truck conveying onions from Baga to Maiduguri struck an explosive device in Lingir Village, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State, injuring the driver and three passengers.

Just four days earlier, another explosion occurred in Bama Local Government Area, where four children were reportedly killed and one injured after an IED detonated behind the Banki motor park.

Security agencies are yet to issue a comprehensive statement on the latest Zamfara incident as investigations continue.