The 3rd Brigade, Nigerian Army headquartered in Kano, has confirmed 12 persons dead in the multiple terrorist attacks on Sabon Gari, an enclave carved populated by Ibos and other minority tribes.
According to a statement signed by Captain Ikedichi Iweaha, spokesman of 3 Brigade who doubles as the image-maker of Kano Joint Task Force, JTF: “At about 2105 hours 29 July 13(five minutes after nine pm), sounds of simultaneous explosion were triggered by persons suspected to be members of the boko haram terrorist group between numbers 38 – 41new road and igbo road by enugu road all in sabon gari area of Fagge Local Government Council of Kano state. Twelve persons were confirmed to have died from both incidences while a couple of others who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to hospital for medical attention.
“This latest incidence could have been avoided if citizens maintain vigilance to observe when packages are dropped as it was in this case contrary to reports circulating in some section of the media of the attack being one by suicide bombers. You may recollect that the JTF had urged residents of Kano metropolis to keep an eye on their environment as members of the terrorist sect had planned to drop packages in bags or cartons in areas with high human traffic.
“While the JTF and other security agencies will not rest on its oars to rid the state of all terrorist elements, the general public is enjoined to report promptly, all unattended packages or suspicious persons to the closest security agency for immediate action. The JTF and other security agencies will continue to count on the support and cooperation of the people of Kano to achieve an atmosphere of peace conducive for business.”
In another statement signed by the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Kano, Chief Michael Tobias Idika states : “On Monday, July 29, between 9 and 9:30 P.M. terrorists invaded Sabon Gari, an enclave carved out for non-natives and planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which exploded almost simultaneously at Enugu/Igbo Road, near International Hotel; and on New Road, directly opposite the popular Ado Bayero Square—precisely at No. 38, 39, 40 and 41.
“At 41 New Road, the Christ Salvation Pentecostal Church was also bombed at the peak of evening worship. Ohanaeze’s account can confirm 39 deaths in New Road and six in Igbo/Enugu Road; and also unspecified numbers of people who got injured. The team of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano state chapter arrived the scenes at about 9:30 P.M. and witnessed the moving of dead bodies and the wounded by security agencies, mostly the Army.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, however, can recall that this is not the first time terrorists invaded Sabon Gari, particularly on New Road. In fact, on that same spot where the latest incident happened, several attempts have been made to terrorize Nigerian citizens. As a reputable organization, we call for adequate security of lives and property in northern Nigeria.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo also commends the spirited efforts of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, David Omojola in-charge of Zone 1, who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura to the scene of the incident for on-the-spot assessment.
However, without fear of contradiction, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano registers its deep feelings over the unprovoked attacks on Sabon Gari, Kano, dominated by Ndigbo. At this point, Ohanaeze Ndigbo call on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to make haste and protect the lives of citizens resident in the northern part of the country, particularly, in Kano with undisputed status of boosting economy and politics in Nigeria.
“To all the departed souls and the wounded in this grievous attack, we register our deep sympathy and only hope that those in authorities, including all security agencies would brace up and take decisive action to end this carnage—man’s inhumanity to man.”