From John Adams, Minna
Fear and anxiety swept through Ganaru community in the Zugurma District of Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State on Tuesday after farmers uncovered a suspected explosive device along a farm access road.
The device was reportedly discovered early in the day by farmers heading out for their routine agricultural activities. According to a community source, the farmers immediately raised the alarm, prompting residents to avoid the area to prevent possible loss of lives.
Confirming the incident, Chairman of Mashegu Local Government Area, Jibrin Egade, said the affected area was quickly secured to keep people away from danger while security agencies were notified for urgent action.
Egade described the discovery as shocking, noting that the community had largely enjoyed relative peace before now. He added that the incident threw the entire area into panic but assured residents that necessary measures were being taken to restore normalcy.
The Niger State Commissioner of Police, CP Adamu Elleman, also confirmed the development but clarified that security reports point to the discovery of a single explosive device, not three as initially claimed by some villagers. He said the police command had deployed bomb disposal experts to assess and safely neutralize the device.
Urging residents to remain calm, the police commissioner assured that the situation was under control and advised people to continue with their legitimate activities without fear.
The incident comes just days after a deadly terrorist attack in Borgu Local Government Area, where at least 42 people were killed, raising fresh concerns over the spread of insecurity in parts of Niger State.
Farmers Stumble on Suspected Bomb in Niger Community, Security Agencies Move In
