The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed a tragic incident involving a suspected bomb explosion at Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School, Kuchibuyi Village, Byazhin, on January 6, 2025. The explosion occurred at approximately 11:00 AM.
In an official statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that the Command responded swiftly after receiving a distress call from the Sarki of Kuchibuyi. A team, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and the Area Commander of Kubwa, was dispatched to the scene. The area was immediately cordoned off to ensure residents’ safety and facilitate a thorough investigation.
Casualties and Ongoing Investigations
The explosion claimed the lives of two individuals, while a third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries. Both survivors are receiving treatment under police guard. Preliminary investigations suggest that three men from Katsina visited the school’s owner, Mallam Adamu Ashimu, and brought the explosive device. The explosion occurred on the school veranda while the men tampered with the device.
The FCT Bomb Squad confirmed the incident as an improvised explosive device (IED) explosion, recovering remnants of the device from the scene. Mallam Adamu Ashimu has been taken into custody for questioning as investigations continue.
Police Advisory and Emergency Contacts
The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has called on residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or objects. “We urge the public to immediately contact the police if they notice any unusual behavior or items that may resemble improvised explosive devices,” he stated.
Emergency contact numbers for reporting suspicious activities are as follows:
0806 158 1938
0803 200 3913
0802 894 0883
0705 733 7653
CRU: 0810 731 4192
PCB: 0902 222 2352
Safety Guidelines for Residents
The FCT Police Command has issued the following safety advice to residents:
- Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and report unusual behavior or objects.
- Do Not Touch Suspicious Items: If you encounter a suspicious object, avoid handling it and contact the police immediately.
- Keep Emergency Contacts Handy: Ensure all family members know the emergency numbers.
- Community Vigilance: Collaborate with neighbors to maintain a secure environment.
The police have assured the public that further updates on the investigation will be provided in due course.