A six-month-old baby survived on Monday after an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly planted by bandits exploded along a road in Woro community, Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The explosion claimed the life of a commercial driver and left a woman critically injured.

The development has further heightened fears over insecurity in the area.

Efforts to get official confirmation from the police were unsuccessful as of press time, as the spokesperson of the state command could not be reached.

A resident, Dr Abdul Woro, said the blast occurred about one kilometre from the community, describing the incident as shocking.

"They planted the explosive on the road. As soon as the vehicle passed, it went off. The driver died instantly and the woman was badly injured," he said.

Confirming the incident, the chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, said the explosion occurred shortly after 7 a.m.

"The vehicle was carrying just two passengers, the driver and a woman with her six-month-old baby boy. Unfortunately, the driver died on the spot due to the impact of the explosion," he said.

He gave further details on the condition of the victims, saying, "The woman sustained serious injuries, including a deep head wound and fractures.

"She was given first aid immediately, and we have directed that she be moved to Ilorin for proper medical attention on the instruction of the Governor."

Abdullahi linked the attack to recent crackdowns on bandits' logistics network in the area.

"This is clearly a reaction. We recently arrested one of their major motorcycle suppliers and their members. They had supplied about 50 motorcycles to these criminals. But we intercepted three of their riders who came to collect the four motorcycles that were remaining which disrupted their operations, and they are not happy about it," he said.

"We are ahead of them now, and this is their way of trying to retaliate and instil fear in the community."

The chairman also disclosed that more explosives were planted at the scene but were successfully neutralised.

"They actually planted two IEDs. One exploded, but the other was discovered by the police bomb disposal team and safely detonated. That action prevented what could have been a bigger tragedy," he explained.

Providing an update on the situation, he said, "The area has been secured, and the police have completed their operation there. Calm has returned, but we remain vigilant."

He, however, raised concerns over internal sabotage, blaming informants for aiding the attackers.

"These criminals cannot succeed without local collaborators. Informants are part of the problem, and we must address that. We are calling on residents to support security agencies with credible information," he said.

The latest incident comes months after about 150 residents were reportedly killed, with several homes razed, during coordinated attacks on Woro community.

Following the earlier assault, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered the deployment of military personnel to the troubled axis in a bid to restore calm.

In a further response to the deteriorating security situation, the military last month launched "Operation Savannah Shield" in the area to tackle the menace, amid reports of mass displacement of residents and farmers.

"We are not relenting. With the support of the military and other security agencies, we will continue to pursue those behind these attacks until the area is completely safe," Abdullahi added.