By Joseph Edegbo
The Kaduna State Government in North West Nigeria, has issued crucial advisory to citizens across the state, for heightened alertness to the threat of explosive devices planted in public places by terrorists.
This follows sustained assessments by security agencies, and the possibility of terrorists looking to harm citizens, by discreetly placing explosives in public facilities such as schools, hospitals, hotels, bars, entertainment centres, restaurants, parks, major roads and places of worship.
A statement by the State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan has said.
“Security agencies are working to ensure that no harm or destruction comes to residents and facilities.
“Citizens are however urged to be alive to this threat, and to remain watchful for suspicious persons loitering, or packages seemingly abandoned in strategic places.
“Increased general awareness is strongly advised, and frequent thorough checks of premises are recommended.
“Any suspicious person or object observed must be immediately reported to the nearest security formation. The Security Operations Room may also be contacted, on the lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.
“Quarry operators are also advised to enhance security on their sites, and to ensure that explosive materials are not readily accessible to be carted away for criminal purposes. Sites will be inspected for compliance.
“Close monitoring of the situation by security agencies will continue” the statement concludes
Meanwhile, a bomb reportedly exploded at Dorino Hotel, Kabala West, a suburb of Kaduna on Sunday.
Badamasi Salisu, Community Leader of Kabala West, while confirming the incident to newsexpress.ng on Monday said: “The bomb exploded around 11:23 p.m. Sunday night.
“No life was lost, but there was structural damage to the hotel and neighbouring houses.”
“Wale Adedoyin Olawale Saidu, son of the owner of the hotel, also confirmed the incident, saying that the bomb was from the hall of the hotel where customers relax.
“There was no casualty because the hotel was not in operation as at the time of the blast.
“We were complying with the notice from Kaduna State Urban Planning Development Agency (KASUPDA) to stop business activities in the hotel until we regularize our papers from residential to business activities,” he said.
“Wale Adedoyin said another Improvised Explosive Device was discovered before it detonated at Future View Hotel, Ungwan Romi New Extension, at about the same time the one at Dorino Hotel exploded which according to him, was around 9:35 p.m. same Sunday night and not 11:23 p.m. as earlier stated by the community leader.
“Police Spokesperson Mohammed Jalige was yet to respond to calls and text messages sent to his number as at the time of this report, according to the newsexpress.