close
Saturday, April 10, 2021

Gov. Ikpeazu shuts down school amid explosives scare, begins investigation

“Initial examination of the devices shows evidence of corrosion leading to suspicion of the materials being relics of the civil war era.”

• April 9, 2021
Okezie Ikpeazu
Okezie Ikpeazu, Governor of Abia State (Credit: BBC)

Abia government says it has begun investigation “to unravel the source and nature” of the suspected explosive devices found in Union Primary School, Afaraukwu Umuahia.

The Commissioner for Information, Okiyi Kalu, stated this in a statement issued in Umuahia on Thursday.

According to Mr Kalu, the government has started working with relevant security agencies in the state.

The statement explained, “Initial examination of the devices shows evidence of corrosion leading to suspicion of the materials being relics of the civil war era.

“We are awaiting a definite official report from the Explosives Ordnance Disposal squad of the Nigeria Police, who are currently investigating the incident.”

Mr Kalu added that the government took necessary measures to protect the school’s pupils and staff “with security sweeps ongoing.”

He further stated that the government had temporarily closed the school.

Mr Kalu added that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had directed security agencies to embark on proactive checks in other vulnerable locations.

He urged residents to be vigilant and report suspicious situations to security agencies. 

(NAN)

More from Peoples Gazette

VIO officials used to illustrate the story

NationWide

Issuing Road Worthiness Certificate for private vehicles illegal, Delta court rules

“The Vehicle Inspection Officers went beyond the powers vested in them by the Law.”

Governor Mai Mala-Buni

Politics

Two months to tenure ending, APC caretaker committee sets up another committee

The exercise could be seen as another plot to prolong the shelf life of the caretaker committee.

Bauchi prison

States

Riot in Bauchi Correctional Centre, warders, inmates injured

Security had been beefed up, with vehicular and traffic movement around the area restricted.

Governor Nasir El-Rufai

States

I’ll not pay ransom even if my son is kidnapped: El-Rufai

The Kaduna governor doubles down on his insistence on not negotiating with bandits and kidnappers.

Earl 'DMX' Simmons

Showbiz

American rapper DMX is dead

Medical sources say he died from drug overdose.