Eyewitness claims student brought bomb in Abuja school explosion

An eyewitness has revealed that the explosion at Sani Uthman Islamiyya School in Kuchibuyi Village, Bwari Area Council, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), was caused by an explosive device brought to the school by a student.

The tragic incident, which occurred on Monday, claimed two lives and left two others injured.

Our correspondent, who visited the scene on Tuesday, described the school as a three-classroom block constructed for nomadic education, popularly known as an Almajiri school.

Investigations revealed that the student responsible for bringing the explosive had arrived at the school from Katsina State just a day before the incident.

“The explosive detonated at the point the boy from Katsina was showing the object to another child in the school,” the eyewitness said.

The boy who was holding the explosive died instantly, while the second boy died later at the hospital.

The incident recorded two survivors-a little girl who is receiving treatment at the Kubwa General Hospital, and another boy who has been referred to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital.

Gory photos of the incident emerged on Tuesday, revealing the aftermath of the blast on the school.

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A Monday statement by the FCT Police Spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, had said the explosives were brought into the school premises by three men, contradicting eyewitness accounts.

Adeh had said a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team was mobilised to the scene after the incident.

She said, “The area was immediately cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina had visited the owner of the Islamic school, Mallam Adamu Ashimu.

“The three visitors are suspected of having brought the explosive device with them.

“Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the improvised explosive device (IED), on the school Veranda, while 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 it was an IED explosion, as remnants of the device have been recovered.”

The police spokesperson said the owner of the school has been taken into custody for questioning, and further findings would be communicated in due course.

The FCT Commissioner of Police Olatunji Disu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, behaviour, or items that may resemble improvised explosive devices to the police.

Eyewitness claims student brought bomb in Abuja school explosion

Bayelsa boat mishap: Navy rescues 9, recovers rifles

The Nigerian Navy said its operatives have successfully rescued nine passengers, including eight police officers and one civilian, who were involved in a boat accident near Agbura community in Bayelsa State.

A statement by the Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, revealed that the Navy also recovered three rifles belonging to the policemen during the search and rescue operation.

The mishap occurred when a speedboat ferrying the police officers to Yenagoa capsized after hitting a submerged wreck. Tragically, the officers were thrown overboard.

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The Navy personnel quickly responded, rescuing the victims and administering first aid to those injured. The injured passengers were later transferred to the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa for further medical attention.

To prevent similar incidents, the submerged wreck responsible for the accident was identified and marked.

The rifles recovered from the scene were documented and secured, pending formal handover to the Bayelsa State Police Command.

Commodore Adams-Aliu highlighted the seamless collaboration between the Nigerian Navy and other security agencies, noting that the operation demonstrated the Navy’s commitment to ensuring the safety of the nation’s waterways.

Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), praised the swift and professional response of the personnel involved in the rescue mission. He reiterated the Navy’s dedication to safeguarding lives and property within Nigeria’s maritime domain and fostering strong partnerships with other security stakeholders to enhance national security.

This successful rescue mission underscores the importance of synergy between security agencies in addressing challenges and ensuring the safety of citizens.

Bayelsa boat mishap: Navy rescues 9, recovers rifles

NYSC DG tells Corps members to expect N77k monthly stipend soon

Director General, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Yushau Ahmed, has assured corps members that they would start receiving N77,000 minimum wage.

Speaking  in Abuja when he commissioned a staff bus donated by Capital Express Insurance company, the DG said arrangements for their increased allowances to be paid have been concluded.

He assured corps members that his priority was their security and welfare, hence in 2025 they would get all benefits that they deserve.

Ahmed noted that the bus donated to the scheme for staff was to ease transportation issues.

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He noted that staff of the scheme and corps members serving in the scheme have always complained that it was difficult for them transporting themselves to and from office.

On his part, Chief Executive Officer, Capital Express Insurance company, Mr. Matthew Ogwezhi, said the scheme and his company have been in partnership for a while and the donation was part of the partnership to support the activities of the scheme.

He said the company made the donation to support the staff transportation to and from work as the price of fuel and transportation was expensive in the Abuja metropolis.

He said the legacy of every organization is the impact they make in the society they find themselves, hence, they should always give back to the society.

NYSC DG tells Corps members to expect N77k monthly stipend soon