    Witnesses say it was bomb, NEMA says it was not

At least four persons were confirmed dead when two explosions suspected to have emanated from a Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off near the Folawiyo Energy Depot along Creek Road n the Apapa of Lagos state.

Unconfirmed reports quoting witnesses at the scene of the explosion said the blast occurred  after some persons suspected to be bombers set off the twin explosions.

Although they were conflicting reports as to what exactly set off the explosion, the police from Area B who arrive the scene minutes later, were seen trying to cordon off the gate of the depot.

The fire from the first explosion sunnewsonline.com learnt were controlled by workers at the  Folawiyo, Energy Depot who opened up the company’s  functional fire hydrant to put off the fire before it could spread.

As at that time it was gathered that only one casualty was recorded.

However, as  they battled the flames, the second explosion went off at Alex Junction, killing three persons and destroying several vehicle.

Among the cars allegedly destroyed was a Toyota car in which the explosives were allegedly planted.

Witnesses told sunnewsonline.com that  the explosion occurred after a lady dressed in hijab allegedly sneaked into the compound with a fuel tanker and set off the explosion.

She was alleged to have also planted the explosive in another standby car which set off the second explosion and killed three people.

According to an eyewitness who simply identified himself as Femi, the twin explosion happened few minutes after each other, thereby causing confusion as to which scene to attend to first.

He said, “I had closed for the day and was waiting for bus at the Alex Junction, when I suddenly there was this earthquake. The ground literally shook and debris was flying up and down.

“We saw a lady dressed in Hijab flee and enter a car that was parked strategically at Alex Junction. Minutes after the first explosion occurred, the second one happened at that same junction I was standing by.”

Speaking with sunnewsonline.com, the Apapa Divisional Police Officer, Usman Ndanbabo, who confirmed that there was an explosion said it was no bomb blast, rather a gas explosion.

He said, “The incident happened at Folawiyo Energy Depot at Creek Road. A tanker exploded but it is under  control. I have my men there and we have cordoned everywhere and the fire is being put out.

“There was no bomb blast. There was no woman wearing hijab. It is far from that one. Boko Haram will not enter Lagos.”

Debunking claims that it was a bomb blast, the Public Relations Officer, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said the explosion was caused by gas cylinders.


Source: Sun