FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, has reiterated the Administration’s commitment to improve security in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT, urging residents to remain vigilant.
She made this statement during a visit to the scene of a recent IED bomb explosion at Tsangayar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School in Kuchibuyi, Bwari, Abuja.
The minister assured residents to stay calm and continue their daily activities, stressing the importance of vigilance in assisting security operatives to tackle insecurity in the area.
“We must commend the security operatives for their prompt action at the scene of the unfortunate incident. The victims were immediately transported to the hospital for proper medical attention.
“I want to reiterate the commitment of the FCTA, under the leadership of Mr Nyesom Wike, to continue doing the needful, including tightening security in the territory and its environs.
“You can all remain calm and continue your normal activities and business because this case has already been taken over by the security agencies. An investigation is ongoing, and the outcome will be made public.”
She emphasised the importance of collecting and registering details about private and public schools in communities for better tracking of students and security.
She tasked both traditional and religious leaders, as well as individuals, to provide any information that could help prevent the recurrence of such security challenges.
“We need your assistance. You must give us new information, including data on the various private and government schools in communities like this, whose attendees must also be officially registered.”
She also encouraged all residents to get to know their neighbours and report any suspicious behaviour, movements, or interactions, especially from visitors in the communities.
In his remarks, the chairman of Bwari Area Council, Mr John Gabaya, expressed concern that the school was not officially registered with the council, which was discovered during investigations.
He assured that collaborative efforts would be made to prevent such incidents from recurring and to implement proactive security measures.
CSP Michael Ada, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Byazhin Police Station, explained that the explosion occurred when three men, suspected to be visitors, attempted to buy ‘awara’ soybean cake from a young girl.
“As one of the men tried to open a container, smoke emitted, followed by an explosion.
“Two of the suspects died instantly, while the surviving suspect, along with the girl and another person, were taken to the hospital for treatment.
”Investigations are ongoing, and the school’s principal and students have been relocated for safety.
One resident, Mr Adamu Shehu, shared that the school primarily served young boys aged 8 to 13 years, who were taught Islamic studies and lived at the school.
He expressed concerns over rising security issues in the community, including kidnappings, and urged the government to take proactive measures to ensure the safety of residents.
Shehu also called for the extension of road construction and rehabilitation projects to communities like Kuchibuyi to promote broader development.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the family of the female victim is currently caring for her at the hospital.