NDC raises alarm over suspected IED planting on Zamfara road

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in Zamfara State, has raised the alarm over the reported planting of an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by suspected bandits along the Gurusu-Gwashi Road in Bukkuyum Local Government Area.

The party described the development as a worrying escalation of insecurity, warning that the alleged deployment of explosive devices on public roads could expose thousands of innocent residents and road users to serious danger.

In a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Alkasimu Mustapha Kayatawa, the NDC called on the Federal Government and security agencies to take immediate action to secure the affected corridor and other vulnerable communities in the state.

Kayatawa said the reported incident had created additional risks for motorists, farmers, traders, commuters and security personnel who regularly use the road.

“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,” the party said.

The NDC called for an urgent review of security operations in Bukkuyum and other areas considered vulnerable to attacks, urging security agencies to increase patrols and strengthen intelligence gathering.

It also demanded improved explosive-ordnance capabilities and increased security presence along major highways, rural roads and communities.

According to the party, intelligence-led operations would be critical to identifying criminal networks and preventing attacks before they occur.

“We need stronger intelligence gathering, sustained patrols and increased security presence along the roads and communities where residents remain exposed,” Kayatawa said.

The party also questioned the level of security deployment in Zamfara compared with the extensive security presence witnessed during the recent Osun governorship election.

It argued that similar urgency should be demonstrated in areas where citizens face persistent threats from banditry and other violent crimes.

“The people of Zamfara should not be made to feel that securing ballot boxes attracts greater national urgency than securing their lives, homes, farms and highways,” the NDC said.

The party specifically urged security agencies to reinforce operations along the Gurusu-Gwashi corridor and prevent criminal groups from establishing the use of explosive devices as a regular tactic against civilians.

It further appealed to the Zamfara State Government to deepen cooperation with federal security agencies and strengthen community-based intelligence networks.

The NDC said local residents, traditional institutions and community leaders could play an important role in providing timely information to security agencies.

“Community intelligence must become a critical component of the security architecture. Residents are often the first to notice unusual movements and suspicious activities,” the party said.

Expressing concern over the broader impact of banditry in Zamfara, the NDC said prolonged insecurity had already resulted in deaths, ransom payments and displacement of communities.

“Zamfara has buried too many innocent citizens. Too many families have paid ransoms. Too many communities have been displaced,” the party stated.

It added: “Our roads must not now become minefields.”

The party urged the Federal Government, security agencies and the Zamfara State Government to treat the reported IED incident as an urgent warning and take decisive measures to protect residents, commuters and other road users.

It also called for sustained security operations rather than temporary deployments, stressing that lasting peace would require continuous intelligence-led action and stronger collaboration between security agencies and local communities.