A tragic incident unfolded in the Bwari Area Council of Abuja when three individuals from Katsina State, claiming to be Islamic teachers, allegedly brought Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamic School. The explosion resulted in the deaths of two people, including a young boy, and left others critically injured.

A video obtained by SaharaReporters captured the aftermath of the explosion, showing a bloodstained area with scattered clothing and footwear of students. The young boy, one of the victims, was seen lying in a pool of blood, his hand severed in the blast.

The school’s proprietor, Mallam Adamu Ashimu, from Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, has been arrested by the police for questioning. In his statement, Ashimu claimed ignorance of the incident, saying, “I left them while they were studying and told them to close around 11:30 a.m. An Almajiri student rushed to call me, saying something had happened. When I arrived, I saw the blast site.”

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh. According to Adeh, the explosion occurred on Monday around 11:00 a.m. at the Islamic school located in Kuchibuyi Village, Byazhin area of Kubwa.

Upon receiving a distress call from the Sarki of Kuchibuyi, a police team, including the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) squad and the Kubwa Area Commander, was immediately dispatched to the scene. The area was cordoned off to ensure public safety and facilitate a detailed investigation.

The victims were swiftly evacuated to a hospital for medical attention. Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina had visited the school owner, Mallam Adamu Ashimu, and were suspected of bringing the explosive device.

According to the police, the explosion occurred while two of the men tampered with the IED on the school veranda, resulting in their deaths. A third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving medical care under police guard.

The FCT Bomb Squad confirmed the incident as an IED explosion, with remnants of the device recovered from the site.

SP Adeh urged residents of the FCT to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or objects to authorities. She issued the following safety guidelines:

1. Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings and any unusual behavior.
2. Avoid Suspicious Objects: Do not touch or move unfamiliar items. Report them immediately to the police.
3. Keep Emergency Numbers Handy: Ensure you and your family members have access to police emergency contacts.
4. Community Vigilance: Collaborate with neighbors to maintain safety and security.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, assured residents that investigations are ongoing and called for cooperation from the public in preventing similar incidents.

Further updates on the investigation will be provided by the authorities.