The police and the army have beefed up security in the Federal Capital Territory following Friday night’s suicide bomb attacks.Armed policemen and soldiers were drafted to different parts of the city on Saturday.
SUNDAY PUNCH gathered that besides Friday’s bomb blasts, the deployment of security agents might have been informed by intelligence reports that the Boko Haram insurgents could have sent more suicide bombers to the FCT.
Heavily armed security agents were sighted checking vehicles on Abuja-Keffi Road; Airport Road; Asokoro and Wuse areas of the FCT.
Two female suicide bombers suspected to be members of the Boko Haram struck at the Kuje Market and near a police station in the area almost simultaneously on Friday night.
Also, two suicide bombers (a male and a female) attacked Nyanya, where the Boko Haram had in April 14 and May 1, 2014 struck killing 70 people.
On Friday, many police operatives wearing EOD vests (Explosives Ordinance Disposal Unit) were sighted at the blast scenes in Nyanya and Kuje.
The massive deployment of policemen followed an order by the Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, that Police Explosives Ordinance Disposal Units be immediately deployed on the scenes.
The IG, in a statement by the Force spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole, assured Nigerians of security, noting that the “Force is prepared to do all within its reach to ensure adequate security of lives and property.”
The statement added, “Following the incidents, the Police High Command ordered an immediate deployment of Police Explosives Ordinance Disposal Units to the scenes to prevent further destructions and ordered massive stop-and-search activities in and around the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.”
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate the bomb blasts were carried out by two suicide bombers — a male and a female.
The Force admonished Nigerians to be vigilant at all times and to report any suspicious persons or objects.
Military roadblocks return
Also, roadblocks manned by armed soldiers have resurfaced at strategic parts of the FCT.
The military roadblocks, which were hitherto dismantled by President Muhammadu Buhari had been reinstated at Nyanya-Abuja expressway while another one was mounted at AYA Roundabout, causing serious traffic jams.
Fear of suicide bombers in FCT
Fear has also gripped residents of the city because of reports that the attacks were carried out by suicide bombers.
Some of the residents, who spoke to SUNDAY PUNCH, said that the use of four suicide bombers might be an indication that the Boko Haram sect had deployed more of such people in the city.
A resident of Nyanya, Michael Babatunde, said, “One has to be careful now because if four suicide bombers could strike on the same day, it means more of them are around.”
Security beefed up in hospitals
Security checks were also being conducted by soldiers at the National Hospital; Asokoro General Hospital and other health facilities, where victims were being treated.
Motorists and visitors to the hospitals were thoroughly searched before they were allowed to enter the facilities.
Meanwhile, the blasts scene had been cordoned off by a team of policemen and soldiers, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel.
Pieces of human flesh, torn clothing and personal effects were strewn all over the spot which is a relaxation place for commercial motorists and motorcyclists.
FCT picks medical bill of victims
The FCT Permanent Secretary, John Chukwu, has directed hospitals in the Federal Capital Territory to take adequate care of victims of the bomb blasts, adding that the FCT would pick all their medical bills.
The Permanent Secretary gave the directive while visiting the sites of the unfortunate attacks in Kuje and Nyanya.
Chukwu, who was also at the Kuje General Hospital and the National Hospital, Abuja where the injured persons were taken to, stated that the “FCT Administration will provide full medical treatment to all those injured in the unfortunate incident.”
He directed the FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat and the FCT Emergency Management Agency to redouble their efforts and he commended them on their prompt response to the attacks.
Chukwu further directed that any serious case should be urgently referred to a specialist hospital to mitigate the pains.
It was learnt that 15 injured persons were being treated at the National Hospital while 10 dead victims were in its mortuary.
The hospital employees told journalists that they were still trying to stabilise some victims, stressing that that most injured persons would not be allowed to speak as they were not fully fit as at the time of filing this report.
The hospital’s Deputy Director, Clinical Services, Dr. Jawah Mohammed, expressed hope that some of the victims would be able to relate with and receive visitors beginning from Sunday and pleaded with guests who came to see some of the victims to hold on till then.
US sympathises with victims
In a related development, the US has condemned the dual explosions in the FCT and the suicide bombings and militant attacks in Maiduguri and Adamawa on October 1.
It extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed and injured, according to a statement by the Press Attaché, US embassy, Abuja, Sean McIntosh.
“These tragic events are stark reminders that violent extremists will stop at nothing to inflict horrific and indiscriminate harm upon innocent lives. In particular, Boko Haram’s reign of terror and sheer brutality have left thousands dead and millions displaced.
“The United States stands with the government and the people of Nigeria to defeat Boko Haram and other perpetrators of terrorism. Through our security and counterterrorism assistance, our unparalleled commitment aims to help Nigeria achieve this goal,” the statement said.
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