An expectant mother prematurely delivered a baby inside the commercial vehicle that was set ablaze by bandits along Isa-Sabon Birni road in Sokoto state on Monday.
Over 20 passengers were burnt beyond recognition and later buried in Isa town on Tuesday.
The vehicle was heading to the southern part of the country, with most of the passengers who were seasonal migrants that earn a living in that part of the country.
A relative of the pregnant woman told 21st CENTURY CHRONICLE that his sister was expecting her baby in the next few months before the unfortunate incident.
“She was going to Abuja from Sabon Birni to visit a sick relative, but had a premature delivery when the vehicle busted into flames after the bandits opened fire on them,” he said.
“Both the mother and the baby were roasted in the fire and 23 other passengers. Their remains were later recovered and buried in a mass grave at Isa town,” he said
21st CENTURY CHRONICLE gathered that Nigerien nationals were among the victims.
Bandits on revenge mission
A senior military officer in the state who sought anonymity told our reporter that the bandits were on a revenge mission over an airstrike by the Nigerian Air force fighter jet that killed many of their gang members.
“They suffered a heavy casualty during the raid. They lost key members of their gangs and many of their family members,” the source said.
“You know, their camps are located in a terrain which is very difficult to access, this is why we are using Nigerian Air force to raid the area.
“The last air raids caused a lot of damage on them and they are all out to avenge it. But we are restrategizing to finish them all.”
Police confirms 23 death
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that 23 passengers were burnt to death by the bandits.
In a press briefing at the government house, the Commissioner of Police, Kamaluddeen Okunlola said six other passengers survived the attack and are currently recuperating in the hospital.
