The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports that an explosion at the Mogadishu Barracks in Abuja was the result of a failed suicide bombing attempt.
Speaking to journalists following road inspections on Wednesday, Wike clarified that the victim had unknowingly stolen an Improvised Explosive Device from a quarry, adding that the report by the National Emergency Management Agency was inaccurate.
“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 emphasised.
Earlier, The PUNCH reported that an explosion at the barracks along the Nyanya-Mararaba road had caused panic among residents and passersby.
While NEMA had claimed the explosion was caused by a failed suicide bomber attempting to enter the barracks with the IED, the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, stated that the Police had launched a thorough investigation, including forensic analysis, to ascertain the cause and nature of the explosion.