By John Audu
In a shocking incident that has sent ripples of fear through the community, three individuals from Katsina, claiming to be Islamic teachers, detonated Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) at the Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamic School in Bwari Area Council, Abuja, resulting in the tragic deaths of two people.
A disturbing video from the scene revealed a bloodstained area littered with the clothes and shoes of students, painting a harrowing picture of the aftermath. Among the victims was a young boy, whose lifeless body was found in a pool of blood, one of his hands severed in the explosion.
According to reports from Naija News House, the explosion claimed the lives of two individuals, including the young boy, while another person sustained critical injuries and has since been hospitalized.
One of the alleged Islamic teachers, identified as Adamu Ashimu from Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, spoke to reporters after the incident. “I’m not aware of what really happened. I wasn’t at the scene, but when I arrived, I found that there had been an explosion,” he said. He claimed he had left the students studying around 11:30 am and was alerted by an ‘Almajiri’ student about the blast.
Ashimu has since been arrested by the Nigerian police for further investigation. As of now, no information has been disclosed regarding the intentions of the three men who traveled to Abuja.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the bombing occurred at approximately 11 am on Monday at the Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School, located in Kuchibuyi Village, Kubwa, Byazhin area of Abuja.
SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, stated that upon receiving a distress call from the Sarki of Kuchibuyi, a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit, swiftly mobilized to the scene. The area was cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation.
During the rescue operation, victims were evacuated and rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention. Preliminary investigations revealed that the three men from Katsina had visited the school’s owner, Mallam Adamu Ashimu, and are suspected of bringing the explosive device with them.
Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the IED on the school veranda. The third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard.
The FCT Bomb Squad has confirmed that the explosion was caused by an IED, with remnants of the device recovered from the scene. Mallam Adamu Ashimu, the school owner, is currently in custody for questioning as investigations continue.
In light of the incident, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, behavior, or items resembling improvised explosive devices to the police.
Residents are advised to stay alert, be aware of their surroundings, and report any unusual behavior or items to the authorities. “Do not touch suspicious objects. If you encounter any suspicious items, do not touch or attempt to move them. Instead, call the police immediately,” Adeh cautioned.
As the investigation unfolds, the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, highlighting the urgent need for vigilance and security in educational institutions.
