By Patrick Idowu
In the wake of last Monday’s deadly explosion in Kuchibuyi, a community on the outskirts of Abuja, residents are urgently calling for stronger security measures to prevent further attacks.
The blast, which claimed the lives of two children and injured others, occurred at an Islamiya school as workers returned to their routines for the new year.
The explosion has left the community shaken, with many suspecting a terrorist attack.
Residents, rattled by escalating tensions since the arrival of the Almajiris four years ago, are now demanding swift action.
An eyewitness, Usman Yahaya, who migrated from Masgaba, Katsina, explained that the community had established the school as a haven for the Almajiris.
However, things took a dark turn when an unfamiliar teacher took control last year, leading to the abrupt departure of a trusted teacher and the arrival of new students, all under the age of 15.
On the fateful day, Yahaya recounted, children were playing with an object, striking it with stones, which eventually led to the explosion.
A community member speculated it was a divine intervention meant to reveal sinister plans.
Security personnel confirmed the object was likely an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), made from locally sourced materials.
Kuchibuyi’s District Head, Isiyaka Dauda, expressed deep concern over the incident, suggesting that the device had been hidden with malicious intent.
“Since the arrival of these people, criminal activities have surged. I have been kidnapped myself, and bandits often overpower our security operatives,” he lamented, calling for a police station to address the growing threats.
The Emir of Bwari, Awal Musa Ijakoro, visited the scene, offering condolences and confirming that security officials, including the FCT Commissioner of Police and the Area Commander, had assured the community of heightened security measures to prevent further tragedies.
