News
An explosion has been reported along Bauchi Road in Jos, the capital city of Plateau State in what appears to be suicide attack targeting a viewing centre where patrons are watching the UEFA Champions League final match between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.
Eyewitnesses said that the blast occurred
at about 9.30pm local time near a busy television viewing centre located close
to the University of Jos main campus.
It was also said that the suicide bomber
died in the blast alongside some other persons.
The
Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Chris Olakpe said the blast killed
three persons including the lone bomber.
The Police Commissioner added that the
bomber who was inside a vehicle detonated the bomb before he reached the
viewing centre presumably out of fear because of the presence of security
operatives and the number of youths watching the sensational soccer match up.
“I can confirm to you that three people
were killed and three others were wounded. The dead included the lone bomber.
“The injured included one Alhaji Bello and
his son, the owner of the house in front of where the bomb went off. They have
been taken to the hospital for treatment,” he said.
Meanwhile, Governor Jonah David Jang has
urged residents of the state to remain courageous and have faith that the war
on terrorism will be won soon.
Jang stated this in a statement signed by
his Director of Press, James Mannok in reaction to the incident.
He regretted that this attack, coming
barely four days after a similar one is a calculated attempt to disrupt the
peace and normalcy, which has since returned to the state.
While sympathising with the victims, the
Governor urged the security agencies to ensure the perpetrators and sponsors
are tracked down.
I
t will be recalled that two bomb
explosions around a train station and a busy market killed about 118 persons in
Jos metropolis about a week ago.