At least two soldiers were reportedly killed and several others injured after an improvised explosive device allegedly exploded on a military vehicle conveying troops to the Bargaja community in the Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Naijaonpoint reports that the troops were said to be responding to a distress call following a bandit attack on the community in the early hours of Saturday.
Residents told our correspondent that armed bandits invaded the village between 12:30 am and 3:00 am, shooting sporadically and forcing residents to seek military intervention.
A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity with Daily Trust, alleged that the attackers planted an explosive device along the Isa-Bargaja road before the arrival of the troops.
He said, “They were on their way to rescue us when the vehicle hit the explosive. Many soldiers were affected. One of the soldiers involved in the incident later ran into our village seeking help after the explosion.”
According to the resident, the injured soldier sustained serious leg injuries.
The source expressed concern over what he described as the growing use of improvised explosive devices by bandits operating in the area.
“We have seen the bodies of two soldiers, but we cannot say whether there were more casualties,” he added.
He called on the authorities to take urgent steps to address the worsening security situation in the area.
Another resident, who claimed to have visited the military camp in Isa town after the incident, said members of the community travelled to sympathise with the troops over the loss of their colleagues.
“We hired two vehicles from our community and went to Isa to condole with the military over the loss of their personnel,” he said.
The source claimed that three soldiers, including a driver, lost their lives in the attack, adding that one of the victims was severely affected by the explosion.
He further disclosed that the remains of the deceased personnel were later evacuated to Sokoto.
Another source familiar with developments in the area alleged that the troops came under a coordinated ambush while responding to the distress call from residents.
According to the source, the attackers allowed an Armoured Personnel Carrier leading the convoy to pass before targeting a Hilux vehicle behind it with gunfire and an explosive device.
“The APC was at the front and was allowed to pass. The attackers then opened fire and detonated an explosive device targeting the Hilux behind it,” the source said.
The source also claimed that one of the security personnel fled into a nearby forest during the attack and that efforts were ongoing to locate and rescue him.
He added that residents, security personnel and the attackers exchanged gunfire throughout the night, heightening tension across the area.
“We never slept yesterday because of the sound of gunfire. I can’t confirm the exact number of the casualties. Wait till after we gathered the accurate information about the incident,” the source said.
