Four Policemen Killed In Adamawa Explosion

SAN FRANCISCO, February 26, (THEWILL) – Four senior police officers, including the Commander of the Anti-Bomb Squad of the Adamawa State Police Command, were killed when some bombs exploded at the Jimeta Divisional Police Headquarters in Yola.

The blast was said to have occurred when bombs seized from terrorists suddenly went off as they were affected by a heat wave where they were kept in the armoury.

The blast shattered the windows and doors of houses in the entire neighbourhood while many buildings were rocked to their foundations.

The blast also caused panic around the area, especially at the Central Primary School opposite the police station, where pupils were attending classes at the time of the explosion.

The Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Gazali Mohammed, who visited the scene, Thursday, confirmed the incident and the death of the four police officers.

The CP said the bombs were taken from Boko Haram terrorists and kept at the Police bomb amoury of the anti-bomb unit adding that some persons who were injured have been rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Also, the National Emergency Management Agency, in a statement by its Senior Information Officer, Mr. Sani Datti, confirmed the explosion, which it described as “accidental” adding that neighbouring buildings were also affected by the explosion.

“An accidental explosion occurred at about 12noon (Thursday) at the Police anti-bomb squad office, Jimeta, Adamawa State. Four persons have been confirmed dead, while a few were injured and evacuated to Federal Medical Centre, Yola.

“Nearby buildings such as Jimeta Primary School, Post Office, old NITEL building and some neighbouring houses were affected.”

Story by David Oputah