NDC raises alarm over suspected IED planting on Zamfara road
ZAMFARA, Nigeria — The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Zamfara State has expressed serious concerns regarding the reported deployment of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by suspected bandits along the Gurusu-Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.
The party characterized the incident as a troubling escalation of insecurity, emphasizing that the placement of explosive devices on public roads could endanger thousands of residents and commuters.
In a statement released by its Publicity Secretary, Alkasimu Mustapha Kayatawa, the NDC urged the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the affected corridor and safeguard vulnerable communities in the region.
Kayatawa noted that the situation added new hazards for motorists, farmers, traders, commuters, and security personnel who frequently travel the route. “The reported use of IEDs on public roads represents a dangerous escalation that must not be allowed to become a new pattern of criminality in Zamfara,” he stated.
The NDC is calling for a comprehensive review of security operations in Bukkuyum and other areas prone to attacks. It has requested increased patrols, enhanced intelligence gathering, and improved explosive ordnance management along major highways and rural roads.
According to the party, intelligence-driven operations are essential for identifying criminal networks and preventing future attacks. Kayatawa emphasized the need for augmented security measures, stating that stronger intelligence gathering and sustained patrols are vital in protecting vulnerable communities.
The NDC has also raised concerns about the discrepancy in security deployments, comparing the current situation in Zamfara to the heightened security presence during the recent Osun governorship election. The party argues that the same level of urgency should be applied to protecting citizens from ongoing threats posed by banditry and violence.
“The people of Zamfara should not feel that securing ballot boxes demands greater national priority than securing their lives, homes, and farms,” the statement read. The party has specifically called on security agencies to intensify operations along the Gurusu-Gwashi corridor and to prevent criminal groups from normalizing the use of explosive devices against civilians.
Additionally, the NDC urged the Zamfara State Government to enhance collaboration with federal security agencies and bolster community-based intelligence efforts, highlighting the critical role of local residents and leaders in reporting suspicious activities.
The party expressed alarm over the broader implications of banditry in Zamfara, asserting that ongoing insecurity has led to deaths, ransoms, and the displacement of communities. “Zamfara has buried too many innocent citizens. Too many families have paid ransoms. Too many communities have been displaced,” the NDC stated.
The NDC concluded by calling on the Federal Government, security agencies, and the Zamfara State Government to view the IED incident as a critical warning and implement decisive actions to ensure the safety of residents and commuters. It advocated for sustained security operations that prioritize intelligence-led approaches and foster strong collaboration between security forces and local communities.
