Abuja School Bombing: 2 Dead, Police Arrest Proprietor, and More Updates
Two lives were tragically lost in a bombing incident at an Islamiyya school in Kuchibiyu community, located in the Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The explosion, suspected to be a bomb, occurred at Tsangayar Sani Uthman around 11:00 AM yesterday, leaving two others injured and rushed to Kubwa General Hospital. The deceased individuals were identified as Harisu and Najibu Ibrahim, and their bodies were taken to the hospital’s morgue for further processing.
The FCT Police Command swiftly responded to the distress call, deploying a team of police operatives, including the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team and the Area Commander of Kubwa, to the scene. The area was cordoned off to ensure the safety of residents and facilitate a thorough investigation. Preliminary findings suggested that three individuals from Katsina had visited the school owner, Mallam Adamu Ashimu, with an improvised explosive device (IED) that led to the tragic incident.
Police Investigation and Safety Measures
The police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed that the explosion was caused by an IED, and Mallam Ashimu was taken into custody for questioning. The command urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or items resembling IEDs to the emergency contact numbers provided. Additionally, FCT residents were advised to stay alert, keep emergency numbers handy, and collaborate with neighbors to maintain a safe environment.
Survivor’s Account
Thirteen-year-old Fauziyya Iliya, one of the injured victims, recounted the harrowing incident from her hospital bed. She described how one of the deceased individuals attempted to sell her a mysterious object found near the school, which led to the explosion, injuring her and another person. Fauziyya’s mother, Salamatu Lawal, shared her experience of hearing the explosion and witnessing the aftermath, highlighting the immediate impact on families in the community.
Community Response and Background
Malam Yusuf Alkali, the secretary to the Chief of Kuchibiyu, shed light on the school’s establishment and its purpose of educating almajirai students. The chairman of Bwari Area Council, John Gabaya, expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and accountability. He mentioned the involvement of students brought in by a Malam from Katsina, underscoring the ripple effects of the tragedy on multiple individuals.
In conclusion, the recent bombing incident in Abuja serves as a stark reminder of the persistent security challenges faced by communities in the region. As authorities continue their investigations and efforts to ensure public safety, it is crucial for residents to remain vigilant and proactive in reporting any suspicious activities. The collective response and resilience of communities are instrumental in preventing future tragedies and fostering a safer environment for all.
