An explosion near the Abacha Barracks along Nyanya-Mararaba road in Abuja on Monday caused panic among residents and commuters, with one person reportedly injured.
Eyewitnesses confirmed to The PUNCH that the blast occurred in the afternoon. “There was an explosion around our area today. I can’t categorically say it was a suicide bombing as has been peddled. But what is sure is that there was an explosion,” a source said.
Efforts to contact the Nigerian Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Onyechi Anele, were unsuccessful.
Federal Capital Territory Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident occurred at about 2:50 p.m. on the Mararaba-Nyanya bypass.
“The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit was deployed immediately. The area was cordoned off for safety clearance and analysis,” she said.
Adeh added, “One male victim was rescued at the scene and promptly taken to the hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention.”
She assured that a forensic investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blast and urged residents to stay calm and report any suspicious activity.