Lives lost, others injured at Abuja school bomb explosion
Abdullateef Fowewe
A suspected bomb explosion occurred at Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School in Kuchibuyi Village, Abuja, resulting in two fatalities and several injuries.
The catastrophe that occurred around 11 am on Monday, was confirmed in a statement on Monday evening, by the spokesperson of the Abuja Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh.
Adeh noted that their officers responded swiftly after a distress call, cordoning off the area for investigation.
She said, “The FCT Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident involving a suspected bomb explosion that occurred on January 6, 2025, at approximately 11:00 AM at the Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School, located in Kuchibuyi Village, Byazhin area of the FCT.
“Upon receiving a distress call from the Sarki of Kuchibuyi, a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and the Area Commander of Kubwa, swiftly mobilized to the scene. The area was immediately cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation.
“During the rescue operation, victims were promptly evacuated and rushed to the Hospital for medical attention.”
She further disclosed that police investigation suggested three men from Katsina brought the explosive device, with two dying while handling it.
“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,” Adeh added.
She thereby confirmed that the school owner is in theircustody as the Abuja Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, urged vigilance against suspicious activities in the community.
“Mallam Adamu Ashimu, the owner of the school, has been taken into custody for questioning, and further findings will be communicated in due course.
“The Commissioner of Police, FCT,
Cp Olatunji Disu urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, behavior, or items that may resemble improvised explosive devices to the police,” She said.
