The Kwara State Government has reported an explosion in the Woro community of Kaiama Local Government region, raising new security fears in a region previously plagued by previous attacks.
Rafiu Ajakaye, the Chief Press Secretary to the State Governor, confirmed the occurrence on Monday via a popular WhatsApp channel.
He said the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device that detonated on a road some distance from the hamlet on Monday morning.
“The IED incident occurred on a road a distance from Woro. The device went off as a vehicle rode past it on Monday morning,” Ajakaye stated.
He revealed that the blast led to the instant death of a male victim, while a woman and her child, who were in the vehicle, were affected.
“Sadly, the man died instantly, while his passenger, a woman traveling with a little child, sustained injuries,” he said.
Ajakaye further stated that the injured woman has been taken to a hospital for immediate medical attention and is responding positively, while the child escaped unhurt.
The confirmation of the explosion has caused renewed panic among residents, who are already on edge due to previous attacks.
The Special Assistant on Media to the Kaiama Local Government Chairman, ZulQharnain Shero Musa, confirmed that casualties occurred, but the exact number of victims is unknown.
“There was an explosion around Woro this morning. The explosion claimed lives, though the number of casualties is not yet confirmed,” Musa said.
He also stated that preliminary reports suggest the IED may have been planted by suspected insurgents.
“A car drove over an IED. We believe it was planted by Boko Haram members,” Musa explained.
The February terrorist attack displaced many families, disrupted livelihoods, and intensified calls for increased security presence in the area.
The latest incident comes weeks after a deadly February assault on the Woro community, which left several residents dead and many others injured during a violent incursion by suspected armed groups.
During that attack, terrorists reportedly stormed the community in the early hours, firing sporadically and forcing residents to flee, while homes and valuables were destroyed.
