Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),
Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports suggesting that Monday’s explosion near the
Nyanya axis of Abuja was the result of a suicide bombing. According to Wike,
the blast was accidental and not linked to any terrorist activity.
Speaking during a project inspection tour on
Wednesday, the minister clarified that the victim involved had unknowingly
transported an explosive device from a quarry site, which later detonated.
“There was no suicide
bombing. The explosion occurred because someone ignorantly carried an explosive
material from a quarry, which went off,” Wike explained, urging the public to
disregard unverified reports circulating on social media and in some news outlets.
Ensuring Public
Safety and Transparency
The clarification
comes amid growing concerns over security in the capital, particularly given
Nyanya’s history as the site of deadly bombings in 2014 linked to Boko Haram.
Wike’s statement aims to calm public fears and reinforce confidence in ongoing
security measures across Abuja. Security agencies are reported to be conducting
further investigations into how the material left the quarry undetected and
whether safety protocols at such facilities are being properly enforced.
Quarry operations near urban settlements pose
potential risks, especially when explosive materials are not adequately secured
or disposed of. This incident underscores the need for tighter regulation and
public awareness regarding the handling of industrial-grade explosives.
Wike emphasized the
administration’s commitment to maintaining Abuja’s safety and called on
residents to avoid spreading panic. “We are on top of the situation, and we
will continue to do all that is necessary to keep our city safe,” he assured.
The Nyanya explosion was not a terrorist act, according to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. The blast resulted from the mishandling of a quarry explosive, not a suicide bombing, as earlier rumors had claimed.
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