The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed a tragic explosion at Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School, located in Kuchibuyi village, Bwari Area Council, Abuja. The incident, which occurred on January 6 around 11:00 am, resulted in two fatalities and left two others critically injured.
The explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED). According to Josephine Adeh, the public relations officer for the FCT Police Command, three men from Katsina had visited the school’s proprietor, Mallam Adamu Ashimu. While tampering with the device on the school veranda, it detonated, killing two of the men instantly.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina had visited the owner of the Islamic school, Mallam Adamu Ashimu. The three visitors are suspected of having brought the explosive device with them. Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the improvised explosive device (IED) on the school veranda, while the third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard,” Adeh said in a statement.
The FCT Bomb Squad has verified that the explosion was caused by an IED, with remnants of the device recovered from the scene. Mallam Adamu Ashimu has been taken into police custody for questioning as investigations continue to uncover the full details of the incident.
Initially, reports suggested that a student had died and four others were injured. However, police findings revealed that the fatalities were among the visitors who brought the explosive device to the school.
Upon receiving a distress call from the Sarki of Kuchibuyi, the police swiftly deployed operatives, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, to secure the area and launch investigations. The school has been cordoned off to ensure public safety.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or objects to the authorities. He also emphasized the importance of not handling items that resemble explosive devices and prioritizing safety in all circumstances.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the need for heightened security awareness in public spaces. The authorities remain committed to ensuring the safety of all residents as investigations progress.
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