The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Blast

  • 5 killed,7 injured in Gombe twin bomb blasts

    Five people were killed and seven others injured in a twin bomb blast in Gombe metropolis on Sunday afternoon.

    An eyewitness said one of the explosions was at the entrance of the old market at the central roundabouts which killed the conveyors, a male and a female who were on a motorcycle.

    The bomb believed to have been hidden in the passenger’s food flask went off as they turned to leave the gate of the market and did not injure anyone.

    They were denied entry into the fenced market for refusing to be screened at the gate.

    The angry mob at the scene immediately swooped on their carcases and set them ablaze alongside their motorcycle.

    The other explosion occurred at Kasuwa Katako (timber market) a few minutes after that of the roundabouts which is about two kilometres distance, killing three people and leaving seven injured.

    “Nobody could explain how it happened because everyone was concentrating on their various activities when all of a sudden we heard a loud explosion,” said an eyewitness.

    The explosion occurred at a recharge cards and a food vendor’s stand located at the corner of the market.

    The scene is just about 100 metres from a joint security force check point which is not too far from the 301 Artillery Regiment Quarter Guard, scene of the first ever suicide bombing in Gombe state.

    A Gombe Specialist Hospital source said one of the injured victims whole was buying a recharge card at the time of the explosion is a military personnel recently deployed to the state.

    Gombe State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Fwaje Atajiri advised residents of the state to exercise caution.

    He also confirmed that the Police had imposed a ban on the use of motorcycles in Gombe from Sunday evening to 4th February.

  • Update: 20 killed, 18 injured in Maiduguri blast

    20 persons, including a female suicide bomber have been killed in a bomb blast in the Monday market, Maidugiri, Borno State on Saturday.

    Eighteen others were injured at the market according to a statement by the State Police Command.

    The female bomber was said to have attacked the Yen-Kaji area of the market where chickens are sold at about 12.30pm

  • Nyanya blast: Row over prosecution of mastermind

    Nyanya blast: Row over prosecution of mastermind

    The inability of the Ministry of Justice, the Police and Department of State Service (DSS) to agree on which agency should prosecute the suspected mastermind of the April 14 bomb blast in Nyanya, Abuja, Aminu Ogwuche, stalled his arraignment on Friday.

    Ogwuche has been in the DSS custody since his extradition from Sudan over a month ago.

    His arraignment on Friday before Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court  by counsel to the Police and the DSS  agencies had the authority to prosecute the suspect.

    The police, who filed the charges, could not produce Ogwuche and his co-accused because the suspects were held by the DSS.

    DSS lawyer  Cliff Osagie, urged the police to withdraw the initial charges against the accused to enable the DSS complete its investigation.

    “I expect them (the police) to have withdrawn the charges to enable us (DSS) complete our investigation, and hand, over the case to the attorney-general of the federation, who is empowered to prosecute cases such as this,” he said.

    Osagie said after the accused was extradited from Sudan, the DSS on September 11 obtained an order from Justice Gabriel Kolawole, to keep the accused in custody for 90 days “in the first instance.”

    Counsel to the police, Oloye Torugbene, said he would not withdraw the charges, as he was not instructed to do so.

    The charges were filed by the police to facilitate Ogwuche’s extradition from Sudan, where he allegedly escaped to after the incident.

    Justice Ademola held that the police had not presented the documents to show investigations had been completed.

    The judge, who expressed surprise about the lack of “collaboration” between the two security agencies, asked them to sort out the issues and agree on a date.

    He adjourned the case till November 10.

    Over 100 persons died in the blast, which was said to have been masterminded by the accused.

    Ogwuche and others were reportedly arrested in Sudan with the assistance of the Interpol.

    In one of the three counts, Ogwuche was alleged to have conspired with others (at large), to commit terrorism by detonating improvised explosive devices at the Nyanya terminus, which resulted in the death of 75 persons. Over 100 were injured.

  • Kaduna blast: NEMA donates 100 beds

    Kaduna blast: NEMA donates 100 beds

    National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), at the weekend, donated 100 pieces of eight-spring beds, mattresses and blankets each to 44 Army Reference Hospital, Kaduna, as part of its response to last Wednesday’s twin bombing in Kaduna.

    Many injured victims are being treated at the hospital.

    The Nation had reported that many victims were receiving treatment on stretchers and mattresses placed on bare floor.

    Receiving the items, the hospital’s Deputy Director, Brigadier General Muritala Abdullaziz Abdullahi, said NEMA’s response and other stakeholders helped to save the lives of many victims.

    According to him, by Thursday the hospital had 37 victims but four had been discharged.

    He said the 33 still in their care are doing well, adding that many of those in critical condition were responding to treatment after being operated on.

    Abdullahi hailed NEMA’s donation of money and beds, saying “many victims were lying on mattresses without beds.”

    NEMA’s Northwest Zonal Director Musa Ilallah said the agency was touched when they saw some victims sleeping on the floor.

    He said they were happy with the professionalism with which the doctors handled the victims and urged them to continue to do more.

    Ilallah added that the donation did not foreclose any future assistance, as the agency was committed to doing more to uplift the welfare of Nigerians and bring succour to those affected by disaster.

  • Breaking News: Bomb blast in Catholic Church, Kano

    A bomb blast at St Charles Catholic Church, Kano on Sunday morning has killed five worshipers.
    Eight others, including security men were injured.

    Details later..

  • Kaduna blast shows nobody is safe, says Anglican primate

    Kaduna blast shows nobody is safe, says Anglican primate

    The Primate of the Anglican Church, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, yesterday said that despite the devastating effect of Wednesday bomb blasts in Kaduna, it has its positive aspect, which is a signal that nobody is safe irrespective of his religion and ethnicity.

    Asked to comment on the bomb blast during the 3rd Session of the second synod of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) Diocese of Kubwa, Abuja, he called on Nigerians to unite and end terrorism.

    He said: “That is a signal of insecurity. And again, it sends another signal, which I think has an aspect of it that is positive.

    “ That is let everybody east, west, north, south, Christian, Muslims, African traditional religionists, let’s put hands together and stop this terrorism. Nobody is spared, nobody is free, nobody is safe.”

    Okoh said that the abduction of the Chibok school girls has aggravated the state of insecurity in the country.

    According to him, the entire problem would have been solved only when the Boko Haram sect militants lay down their arms and make themselves available for dialogue.

    Asked whether he was satisfied with the Federal Government’s effort at rescuing the kidnaped school girls, the cleric explained that: “More than that, if the Federal Government wants to do bravado, all those girls will all be dead.”

    He described the militants as very complex people who could distribute the girls to different locations.

    Okoh admonished Nigerians that any attempt to forcefully rescue the school girls could result in a worse problem.

    He said: “So, allow the government to take its time to rescue these people the way it knows how to and bring them back alive.

    “To my mind, bringing them alive is more important than allowing them to destroy lives of those girls. They could easily be rehabilitated when they are out. They could be sent to schools locally or abroad, there could be medical facilities to take care ogf them. Please lets be patient so that these girls can

    come back alive. Otherwise, Boko Haram has shown to everybody that it can kill.”

    Also speaking, the Bishop, Diocese of Kubwa, Reverend Duke Akamisoko, revealed that the National University Commission (NUC) has given approval for the commencement of academic activities in Anglican University in 2015.

  • Residents turn blast scenes to tourists sites

    Residents turn blast scenes to tourists sites

    •As norlmacy returns to Kaduna

    •Checkpoints spring up 

    As normalcy returns to Kaduna after Wednesday twin bomb blasts that rocked the metropolis, residents have turned scenes of the explosion to tourists sites.

    Meanwhile, normal business activities have since commenced at the densely populated Kawo Market where the second bomb exploded, killing scores and leaving almost 50 people injured.

    The Nation recalled that explosions generated tension in Kaduna city before Governor Mukhtar Ramalan Yero quickly declared a 24-hour curfew to calm the nerves of angry youths who were threatening protest.

    It was believed that the first explosion was targeted at the revered Sheik Dahiru Bauchi, as the suicide bomber tried to penetrate his convoy before the bomb went off, killing the bomber and 24 others.

    Similarly, Former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari confirmed that the car bomber who detonated the second bomb that killed scores targeted his life.

    The Nation, however gathered that the 24-hour curfew, which lasted for only about 20 hours before it was lifted, was initially imposed to prevent a degeneration into crisis, following the anger expressed by supporters of the personalities targeted by the explosions.

    Meanwhile, when our correspondent visited the scene of the blast at Kawo yesterday, residents were seen trooping to the scene to catch glimpse of the damages done by the explosion.

    When our correspondent visited the scene, a resident said: “My brother, nowhere is safe any longer. If you say because they bombed here,  so you will not pass here again, you are just deceiving yourself.

    “Let me tell you, whether we like it or not, we are living in an atmosphere of fear and tension. We can be bombed anywhere and at anytime. We should only pray that God brings these killings to an end.”

    In the same vein, the Kawo Market was full to its usual capacity, as the people went about their usual businesses.

    However, security check has been intensified at Kawo motor park, while a new military checkpoint has been introduced between the park’s exit gate and the headquarters of 1 Division Nigerian Army.

  • 13 killed in Bauchi hotel blast

    NLY rubbles remained yesterday of a  hitherto  boisterous People’ s  Hotel, Bauchi, after a night  bomb attack by terrorists suspected to be members of Boko Haram.

    Thirteen persons died in the attack, 10 of them were killed on the spot while the others died during treatment in the hospital.

    Some of the victims were football fans who had converged on the popular brothel’s bar to watch highlights of the ongoing World Cup in Brazil.

    Time was about 9.50pm.

    Twenty eight persons were injured, some critically, according to the police.

    Governor Isa Yuguda condemned the blast and vowed that the perpetrators would be brought to book.

    A man was  arrested in connection with the explosion which occurred about  six hours after policemen in nearby Kano discovered 13 high calibre Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) close to a mosque in the metropolis, and three days after explosives ripped the busy Emab Shopping Plaza, Wuse, Abuja.

    Twenty-one people died on the spot in the Abuja incident while two others, hit by shrapnel from the explosives died 24 hours later.

    The Bauchi hotel blast occurred at Bayan-Gari area of the metropolis as business was in full swing for the call girls and their customers.

    Residents of the area said as many as 23 people may have died, 13 more than the 10 confirmed by Police Commissioner Lawal Shehu.

    The injured were taken to the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital [ATBUTH] Bauchi for treatment and the corpses deposited at the mortuary of the hospital.

    The hotel had over 30 rooms, a bar and a restaurant.

    A 21-one year old sex worker at the hotel, who merely identified herself as Ladi, said  many of the victims were “either drinking or seeing their girls  when the blast occurred.’’

    An eye-witness, Malam Ahmed Maidoki told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that five persons in military uniform carried out the attack by detonating explosives and shooting at random.

    “We were watching highlights of the ongoing FIFA World Cup at the viewing centre located in between the two story building of the hotel when five men dressed in military uniform strolled in.

    “We thought they were security personnel, who came to relax. I noticed they all positioned themselves in the four corners of the hall.  The next thing I heard was an explosion, after which the arena was covered by thick smoke. My friends and I lay on the ground.

    “We were trying to get out when the five men started shooting sporadically at any one who tried to stand up, and in the process, killed  many of the survivors of the blast,’’ he said.

    Another eye-witness, Usman Hassan, said he was about entering the hotel when the blast occurred and immediately ran away from the scene.

    “As soon as I was a bit far from the scene, I heard gun-shots.  A few minutes later, a white Toyota Hillux vehicle zoomed out of the hotel at a high speed with men wearing army uniform”, he said.

    Friday’s was the second attack on the hotel by suspected terrorists.

    Briefing reporters on the incident yesterday, Police Commissioner Shehu advised the public to “pay special attention to persons and objects, particularly at motor parks, market places, schools, places of worship, shopping malls, eateries and hotels.

    “They should report any suspicious persons or objects within their neighbourhood, to the nearest police station for prompt response, using these numbers – 08151849417 and 07013490795.”

    The Commissioner for Health, Dr Sani Malami told newsmen separately that 34 injured people were taken to the hospital on Friday night.

    Seventeen of that number, according to him, had minor injuries. They were treated and immediately discharged.

    He added: “There are 17 others with varying degree of injuries, who are still on admission, but we are hoping that many of them would be discharged today (Saturday) while a few others will have to go to the theatre because of the seriousness of their injuries.

    “Unfortunately, 13 people have so far been confirmed dead. 10 dead bodies were brought to the hospital yesterday (Friday) night and three more victims died in the hospital.

    “What the hospital did was a process where the doctors decide those who are critically injured that must go to the theatre, those who are injured but can be managed at the trauma centre and those who can be treated and be discharged immediately.”

    The Bauchi State Branch of the Nigerian Red Cross condemned the attack, describing it as ‘barbaric and inhuman’.

    The state’s secretary, Malam Mohammed Bashir, told NAN that the organisation received a call around 9.50 on Friday night, about the attack.

    “Immediately I received the call, I and my men rushed to the scene to provide First Aid treatment to the victims. Afterwards, we, along with the State Emergency Management Agency, police, military and the SSS personnel, evacuated them to the hospital.

    “We still carried out search and rescue operation at the scene this morning (Saturday) to ensure that every injured person was evacuated. It was a terrible experience,‘ ‘Bashir said.

    Reacting to the blast, Governor Isa Yuguda   condemned the act of terrorism.

    He commiserated with the families of the victims and wished the injured a quick recovery.

    The Governor regretted that the incident came just at the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan but assured the people of the state that his government remains committed to the protection of life and property

    He asked them to go about their normal and legitimate businesses without any fear of harassment from anybody and should be mindful of the person next to them for security reason.

    He wished all Muslims a successful 2014 Ramadan fasting and prayed that Allah might grant them all the bounties of holy month.

    President Goodluck Jonathan said on Friday whilevisiting the scene of Wednesday’s Abuja bomb blast.   that Nigeria had entered one of the darkest phases of its history.

     

  • UNIJOS mourns seven blast victims

    UNIJOS mourns seven blast victims

    Seven final year Medical Laboratory Science students of the University of Jos (UNIJOS) were among those killed in the twin blasts of May 20 in the Plateau State capital. ESTHER MARK (UNIJOS graduate) reports.

    · Two nursing mothers among the dead

    Jos, the Plateau State capital, was in the news last week, following the twin blasts at the Terminus Market. No fewer than 118 people, mainly traders, died in the blasts; scores were injured.

    The University of Jos (UNIJOS) lost seven final year Medical Laboratory Science students – Francisca Nwafor, Oluwadolapo Komolafe, Vivian Chioma Obilor, Mike Ogbole, Millicent Yusuf, Monday Wingak and Doris Udegbunem.

    That fateful day, the late Mike called out Christian faithful in the hostels for prayer – he had been doing this for years as a member of the G-Force Fellowship. After the prayer, he left for lectures. By 1pm, he was done and he headed home to eat. That was the last his classmates saw of him.

    The late Millicent was said to have got up early to prepare her eight-month-old baby for the crèche. She left for school afterwards. By 1:30pm, the lectures were over. The late Millicent, according to her classmates, left the school immediately to take her baby and return to her off-campus hostel.

    The late Francisca, the late Lydia, the late Vivian, the late Monday and the late Doris also had one or two things to do that day. They might have looked forward to returning home to rest, but they never had that chance. About 30 minutes after Haematology lecture, they left for the Terminus Market, close to the Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), where medical students receive lectures. They all died in the blasts.

    Some of their colleagues were still in the classroom when the incident occurred.

    Following the blasts, CAMPUSLIFE gathered that Daisy Odey, the victims’ classmate, told others that the deceased would have been on the scene. She mobilised others to search for their seven classmates.

    The late Mike, who hailed from Benue State, was described as a “dedicated Christian” by hostel mates, who were still in shock when they spoke to our correspondent.

    His close friend, Hendrick Idajo, who was in tears, said: “If I were to receive virtues from you, I would have your zeal to serve God, moral decency and wisdom to handle issues. I love you, Mike, but God loves you more.”

    A classmate of the late Mike, who did not give his name, wrote on the board: “Mike, to think you are no more is rather shocking. What a life you have lived. Since our paths crossed in 100-Level, you became my Bible teacher. It was just like yesterday. It is so hard to believe you are gone. You were an icon; the bearer of the light. I will continue to remember you until we meet to part no more.”

    Mike’s remains were buried last Thursday in Benue State.

    The late Monday was also a member of the G-Force Fellowship. The late Francisca was described as a “beautiful scientist” by classmates.

    Unlike others, the late Doris and the late Millicent left behind babies whose ages are between eight months and one year. The duo got married before their final year.

    While others seem to have accepted their fate, friends and family members of the late Vivian  believe she is not dead. To them, she is missing and admitted in a hospital where she has not been identified among the charred bodies removed from the scene.

    Chizaram Orji wrote on the late Vivian’s Facebook page: “My sister cannot die now. It is not yet her time. I believe she is somewhere. She is not dead. She is still alive. May Almighty God protect her and make her to find her way back home, in Jesus Name. Amen.”

    In honour of the late students, the UNIJOS management declared last Friday a lecture–free day. The  Students’ Union Government (SUG) urged the Federal Government to find the masterminds of the blasts, urging proactive steps in dealing with the rising menace.

    The Deputy Registrar (Information), Steve Otowo, urged members of the university community to be security-conscious.

  • Update : Bomber confirmed dead in fresh Jos blast

    A team of security agencies deployed to the scene of the fresh blast in Jos has confirmed one person dead in the incident.

    The blast occurred on Saturday night at Bauchi road around Nigerian Red Cross office in the state capital.

    The police source said, “The only casualty should be the suicide bomber, we noticed that he was heading towards the largest viewing center along Bauchi road where the casualty could have been over a hundred. But unfortunately for the suicide bomber, the bomb went off before getting to his target.

    “So we rushed there to meet the suicide bomber burning inside the car alone. Apart from that, no other casualty as a result of the night blast.

    “The car used in this incident was a Vectra car without registration number” said the source.

    Many residence around the location of the blast  were  indoor or have gone to drinking joints  to watch the Champions league match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.