The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed that one person died, a mother sustained serious injuries, and a baby remained unharmed following an explosion involving a commercial vehicle in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.
The incident occurred in a community near Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area, an area that has experienced recent security incidents.
Reports indicate that the explosion happened in the early hours of the day and affected a vehicle travelling towards neighbouring Niger State.
Police authorities said the explosion is believed to have originated from an improvised explosive device. The development comes weeks after deadly attacks were recorded in the same axis, which led to increased security presence in the area.
The spokesperson of the Kwara State Police Command, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the incident and said an investigation had commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
According to the police, the blast affected a commercial vehicle conveying passengers when the incident occurred. One occupant of the vehicle was confirmed dead as a result of the explosion.
A nursing mother who was among the occupants sustained serious injuries and was taken for medical attention. Her baby, who was also present during the incident, was reported to be unharmed.
Police authorities stated that emergency response efforts were initiated following the explosion, while security agencies began preliminary investigations at the scene.
Eyewitness and community accounts indicated that the explosion caused panic among residents, with concerns raised about safety in the area following the incident.
The police said investigations are ongoing to establish the cause of the explosion and identify those responsible.
The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in parts of Kwara State where similar attacks have been reported.
Authorities have continued to emphasise the need for vigilance among residents and cooperation with security agencies during ongoing investigations.
