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Police beefs up security in Lagos over bomb scare

Following a bomb scare on Tuesday night at the arrival wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, the police in Lagos have beefed up security in … Continue reading Police beefs up security in Lagos over bomb scare


Following a bomb scare on Tuesday night at the arrival wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, the police in Lagos have beefed up security in strategic locations in the metropolis.

A bag left unclaimed at the airport had raised suspision among travellers and airport staff that it contained explosives.

Eyewitnesses at the airport said that the suspision caused panic in the airport as people were seen rushing out of the building while others where seen making telephone calls to their friends and relative to ascertain their location.

The airport authority had then invited operatives from the police anti-bomb unit who later evacuated passengers and airport staff from where the unclaimed luggage was placed.

According to Premium Times,the operatives then began to use sophisticated bomb detectors on the bag.

Not convinced that the bag was harmless, the detectives brought out more equipment and tried to defuse the “bomb”, eliciting a loud bang which further sent passengers scampering for safety.

Akin Olukunle, head public affairs, Federal Airport Authority who confirmed the incident to Premium Times, said the airport security had to alert the bomb experts because they had instruction to be proactive by promptly reporting suspicious packages and luggages to relevant authorities.

“There is no cause for alarm,” Mr. Olukunle said. “We simply took precautions, and it turned out the bag was harmless.”

Rumours of impending attacks

Over the Weekend, there has been various rumors of impending bombings in Lagos by the dreaded Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

A message purportedly sent out by the Lagos State government had highligted plans  by the Boko Haram sect to attack some public places in Lagos.

In the message, the group had said that “the attacks can only be prevented if the presidency agrees to their terms by Monday the 7th of May.”

Some of the places listed as point of attack include the Murtala Mohammed Airport, fun spots- Silverbird Cinemas and some relaxation centers.

The message which went varil over the weekend via some social media platforms, like blackberry messenger, Facebook and Twitter has made Lagosians to be security conscious and report any suspicious movement to the nearest police station.