Motorists Stranded on Gusau–Funtua Highway Amid IED Fears, Police Dismiss Claim

Tension gripped commuters along the Gusau–Funtua highway in Zamfara State on Friday following reports that suspected armed bandits had planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the busy federal road.

Eyewitnesses claimed the suspected device was discovered in the early hours of Friday at Ungwar Mai Chida village, the same general area where an IED explosion earlier in the week reportedly damaged a trailer.

The reports triggered panic among motorists, many of whom were said to have halted their journeys and sought safer routes amid fears of a possible attack. Some commuters were left stranded for hours as uncertainty spread along the highway.

Residents in the area said security operatives later mobilized to the scene, secured the location, and cleared the road to allow traffic to resume.

However, the Public Relations Officer of the Zamfara State Police Command, DSP Yazid Abubakar, told Arise News via telephone that no such incident occurred on the highway. According to him, the police merely carried out proactive security measures to ensure the safety of motorists and commuters.

Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and rely on verified information, assuring road users of continued security surveillance along the route.