Suspected Explosives Found In Abia Primary School, Police Bomb Expert Scrutinizes Items, Abia Government Speaks

Items suspected to be explosives were on Thursday found in Afara Union Primary School, Afaraukwu in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State.

Pupils were filed out of the school premises to return while bomb expert from the Nigerian police force were deployed to the premises until the suspected item is certified not harmful.

Meanwhile, the Abia state government in a press release state addressed the situation and asked citizens to remain calm until the EOD squad of the Nigeria Police who are currently investigating the incident sends report.

The press release reads:

Abia State Government is currently working with relevant security agencies in the state to unravel the source and nature of the suspected explosive devices found at Union Primary School, Afaraukwu in Umuahia North LGA.

While initial examination of the devices show evidence of corrosion leading to suspicion of the materials being relics of the civil war era, we are awaiting definite official report from the EOD squad of the Nigeria Police who are currently investigating the incident.

Meanwhile, necessary measures have been taken to protect the pupils and staff of the school with security sweeps ongoing while the school is temporarily closed.

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed security agencies to embark on proactive checks in other vulnerable locations out of abundance of caution.

While we are grateful to God that there is no harm to life or property, we urge citizens and residents to continue to maintain vigilance and report suspicious situations to security agents.

Thank you.

Chief John Okiyi Kalu
Honorable Commissioner for Information.
08/04/2021