A tragic incident occurred on the afternoon of Sunday, April 5th, when a truck driver lost his life after his vehicle, loaded with yams, struck an improvised explosive device (IED) suspected to have been planted by terrorists operating on that axis. The blast took place along the Lumma–Babanna road in the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the region’s transport corridors.
SP Wasiu Abiodun, spokesperson for the Niger State Police Command, verified the unfortunate occurrence, saying;
“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.
“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,” he said.
Further investigation by Sooth News reveals that the explosion occurred on Sunday afternoon. In a related or simultaneous attack, a motorcycle rider was also reportedly shot dead by unidentified gunmen.
Sources on the ground, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the alternative road was established out of necessity after the major bridge linking the communities was rendered impassable.
“The economic importance of this road cannot be overstated. It is a federal road linking Kwara, Niger, and Kebbi states to the Republic of Benin. The Babanna border market relies heavily on it, and millions of people depend on the route for their livelihoods.
“From Wawa to Lumma, Shagunu, Babanna, and Konkoso, there is no alternative access road apart from this one whose bridge was destroyed. It is also a major corridor for travellers from Sokoto to Ibadan and Lagos.
“Even if the government repairs the bridge, without addressing the security challenges in the forest, the terrorists may continue to destroy infrastructure,” the on the ground source said.
However, as previously reported, suspected terrorists operating from the Kainji National Park detonated an explosive device at approximately 2:00 a.m. on March 23, 2026. The blast destroyed the critical bridge linking the Lumma, Babanna, and Agwara communities, severing a vital transport artery in the region.
