THE Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike has dismissed claims by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) that Monday’s explosion outside the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja was a suicide bombing attempt.
Speaking with journalists on Wednesday, May 28, during a road inspection, Wike dismissed NEMA’s version of the event, insisting that the explosion was an accident, not an act of terrorism.
He said the victim had unknowingly picked up an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) from a quarry site where rocks are blasted, placed it in his pocket, and it detonated later.
“The security agencies never stated that it was a suicide bomber. Therefore, we should avoid creating unnecessary fear among the public. NEMA is not the lead security agency; security agencies are responsible for such matters.
“What happened was that someone went to a quarry site, where rocks are blasted, and took an explosive device, placing it in his pocket without understanding its danger. The device then detonated on him.
“This does not mean it was a suicide bombing. We must be careful with the narratives we promote; we should not send misleading messages to residents,” he was quoted to have said.
Recall that NEMA had in a statement on Tuesday, May 27, painted a different picture.
According to the agency, a suspected suicide bomber wearing an IED tried to infiltrate the Mogadishu Barracks but the device exploded before he could gain entry, killing him instantly and injuring a passerby.
The agency said the explosion occurred around 1:47 pm and involved multiple emergency responders, including the military, police, State Security Services (SSS), and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC)
The statement reads in part: “The team met stern-looking security personnel at the already cordoned scene.
“Information gathered revealed that a suicide bomber attempted to sneak into the barrack but met his waterloo as the IED exploded on him while trying to negotiate an entry.
“The suicide bomber died instantly leaving one passerby injured. The EOD unit of the NPF (Nigeria Police Force) evacuated the injured to the National Hospital and took over the scene for further investigation; bringing the operation to a close at 17:29hrs.
“Stakeholders present included NEMA, Military, NPF, DSS, and FRSC.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has yet to confirm either version of the claims as it only stated that a “comprehensive investigation” was underway to determine the cause and nature of the explosion.
The Police Public Relations Officer, FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, in a statement, said officers from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit were deployed to the scene after the Command received a distress call around 2:50 pm.
Adeh confirmed that one male victim was rescued and taken to a hospital, where he is receiving medical attention.
“One male victim was rescued at the scene and promptly taken to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. A comprehensive investigation has commenced, including detailed forensic analysis, to ascertain the exact cause and nature of the explosion,” the statement read.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M