FCT, Abuja – Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday dismissed reports that Monday’s explosion near the Mogadishu Cantonment, also known as Abacha Barracks, was a sulcide bombing.
Earlier, it was reported that military sources reported the explosion occurred around 2:14 p.m. beneath the pedestrian bridge near a checkpoint where commuters disembark to enter the barracks by tricycle.
The suspect, who arrived in a Volkswagen Golf, was stopped by a military police officer after acting suspiciously.
Suspected bomber killed by his own device, says Wike Speaking during a project inspection in Abuja, Wike explained that the victim was not a sulcide bomber but rather a man who unknowingly carried an improvised explosive device (IED) that detonated prematurely.
He said, “The man was not a sulcide bomber. He accidentally triggered explosives he had taken from a quarry site. This was a tragic accident, not a terror attack.”
The incident comes at a sensitive period as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, with heightened political activities and opposition efforts to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s administration, Punch reported.
Wike called on residents to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies, stating, “Let us avoid panic and misinformation.
The government remains committed to protecting lives and ensuring peace in the Federal Capital Territory.” The authorities continue to investigate the blast while maintaining vigilance to safeguard Abuja’s residents during this politically charged period.
