Metro

Terrorist scare as explosion shakes Benin

Published

8 years ago

February 3, 2016

Chaos took over the Sakponba area of Benin City, the Edo State capital as people took to their heels when a bomb went off sparking fears of a possible terrorist attack.

Many feared that the explosion which affected about three buildings on Zomi Zomi Street around Upper Sakpoba Road could have been the handiwork of the terrorist group Boko Haram, hence the heightened tension.

Police sources however stated that it was a bomb that had been left behind by kidnappers who formerly used one of the buildings as a hideout.

He said “We learned that the bungalow where the bomb detonated was being used as a hide out for kidnappers some months ago. But a combined unit of soldiers and police invaded the place and arrested the suspects.

“So recently, somebody hired the building and just this afternoon, decided to burn refuse in the compound. He set the refuse on fire and went out to buy something.

“Immediately he left, the bomb exploded. He was not aware that the kidnappers, who once used the house, had left some bombs behind.”

The area was later cordoned off by the bomb disposal unit of the Edo State Police Command, in efforts to ascertain if more bombs were still inside.

The tenant, who resides in the building, was taken away while one woman, said to have sustained deep cuts, was rushed to the hospital.

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