SSS: How ThisDay office was bombed

[TheNation]

     

The State Security Service (SSS) yesterday gave a sketchy description of the bomb attack that rocked the Abuja office of Thisday. According to the security agency, at about 11 am, a dark green Isuzu Jeep wired with bombs, forced its way into the premises of the newspaper at Jabi, Abuja and detonated the bombs, killing the suicide bomber.

A statement by the SSS spokesperson, Ms. Marilyn Ogar, added that two persons and the suicide bomber were confirmed dead; 13 other persons were injured and are receiving treatment.

The statement reads: “Also, at 1100 hours, two (2) persons in a cream coloured Honda Accord (Academy) car with registration number AL 306 MKA, drove into SOJ Global Communications and Investment Limited Plaza, located at R9, Kontagora road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna which houses correspondents of The Sun, Thisday and Moments newspapers.

“One of the assailants, Umaru Umaru Mustapha, an indigene of Maiduguri, Borno State, alighted the car with a container of Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He was immediately challenged by two gallant Nigerians, following which he threw the bomb at them and it denoted, killing them instantly.

“Subsequently, Mustapha pulled out a pistol and fired several shots in the air, in an attempt to escape. He was, however, caught and subdued by brave members of the public who refused to be intimidated and handed him over to security forces. Nine persons were injured and are receiving treatment.

“The Service wishes to state that the new affront on the media would not deter patriotic reportage of issues that affect our collective interest as Nigerians.

“While the Service sympathises with families of victims and the deceased, we wish to applaud the rare gallantry and patriotism exhibited by well-meaning members of the public who risked their lives to save others. We therefore call on all good citizens to rise up to the challenge of bringing an end to the menace of terrorism in our dear country.”

 



TheNation

[TheNation]