The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives has condemned a “cowardly” roadside bomb attack in the north-western state of Zamfara that left seven people dead.
Tajudeen Abbas said the attack was particularly “unfortunate” as it came just days after Nigerian and American forces launched a joint anti-terror operation in the region.
The seven victims were killed instantly on Saturday when their commercial bus drove over an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted on the Magami–Dansadau highway.
‘Resisting’ the threat
In a statement issued on Sunday, Dr Abbas vowed that the Nigerian state would continue to resist the “sick activity” of terrorists and bandits.
“It is unfortunate that the attack was carried out shortly after the Nigerian and the American governments launched a joint operation against terrorism… with strikes on terrorists’ hideouts in parts of the North-West on Thursday,” the Speaker said.
He further pledged that the National Assembly would provide the “necessary legislative and budgetary support” to ensure security agencies are equipped to confront the growing threat.
Attacks follow joint operations
The mention of US involvement highlights a significant escalation in international cooperation to secure Nigeria’s North-West. On Thursday, coordinated strikes reportedly targeted militant camps in the region, which has long been a stronghold for armed gangs.
However, Saturday’s blast underscores the difficulty of protecting civilians on the ground. The use of IEDs—rather than the typical motorcycle-borne raids—is a worrying tactical shift that has turned major transit routes into high-risk zones.
A state under siege
Zamfara is one of the states worst hit by a decade-long security crisis involving:
- Banditry: Armed gangs carrying out mass kidnappings for ransom.
- Terrorism: Increasing links between local gangs and extremist groups.
- Displacement: Thousands of farmers have been forced to flee their lands, worsening the local food crisis.
While President Bola Tinubu’s administration has introduced new security measures, the highway where the bus was struck remains a notorious flashpoint near the dense forests where these groups operate.
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