the dead in Monday's multiple explolsions
in Kano.
The army and the police said 12 people
died, but the Igbo community claimed
that the bombings killed 45.
The explosions tore through Sabon Gari,
an area occupied mainly by non-
indigenes.
No fewer than 24 died, according to an
hospital official.
Kano is the North's biggest and main
commercial city, where Boko Haram had
struck in the past.
No group has claimed responsibility for
the explosions, which bear all the
imprimatur of the notorious Islamist sect.
At least four explosions were heard
around outdoor bars in Sabon Gari,
causing panic and sending clouds of
smoke and dust into the air, according to
residents.
A Pentecostal church was also burnt down
where many people died.
The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in
Kano, Chief Michael Tobias Idika, who put
the death toll at 45, said in a statement:
"On Monday, July 29, between 9 and 9:30
pm, 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 number of people got injured.
"The team of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano
State chapter, arrived at the scenes at
about 9:30 p.m. and witnessed the
movement of bodies and the wounded by
security agencies, especially the Army.
"Ohanaeze Ndigbo, however, can recall
that this is not the first time terrorists
have invaded Sabon Gari, particularly,
New Road. In fact, on that same spot
where the latest incident happened,
several attempts have been made to
terrorise Nigerian citizens. As a reputable
organisation, 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 calls 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 and
take decisive action to end this carnage –
man's inhumanity to man."
Another community Leader Prince Ajayi
Memaiyetan, said: "What happened is
that for the past two months, we in Kano
have been enjoying peace of the
graveyard.
"We are waiting for security agencies to
give us details on what really happened. I
was at Festing Road when I heard the first
blast and I had to manoeuvre like other
residents to run for dear life. The truth is
that the security is not as effective as
before because of the lull in attacks."
Residents of Sabon Gari were going about
their activities in silent anger, anguish and
apprehension yesterday.
The military, which has been battling the
insurgents across the North, especially in
Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states that are
under a state of emergency, said packages
that caused the explosions were left in
the area.
"We have at the moment 24 bodies in
our morgue and three patients in our
emergency ward from the explosions in
Sabon Gari last night," said Aminu Inuwa,
spokesman for the Aminu Kano Teaching
Hospital in Kano, who was quoted by
French News Agency (AFP)
"The dead had shrapnel wounds on
them," he added.
Residents described the area as being
littered with the personal belongings of
those who ran in fear once the explosions
began.
Kano police, in a statement by its
spokesman Magaji Majia, an ASP, said:
"Multiple explosions at Enugu/Igbo Road
and New Road at about 2100 hours, the
incident occurred at a Tavern known as
Mary Cool and Zuma Cool Spot,
respectively.
"As a result, 12 died on the spot, 12
injured, 19 vehicles parked at the scenes
damaged. Bodies and the injured were to
Government Hospitals in the state. We
are still monitoring events as
investigations remain in progress."
Authorities of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army in
Kano, also confirmed 12 dead in the
multiple attacks.
Captain Ikedichi Iweaha, spokesman of
the Brigade, in a statement, said: "At
about 2105 hours 29 July 13 (five minutes
after nine pm), sounds of simultaneous
explosions were triggered by persons
suspected to be members of the Boko
Haram terrorist group between numbers
38 – 41 New 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 incidents while a couple of
others who sustained various degrees of
injuries were rushed to hospitals for
medical attention.
"This latest incident 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 their 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."
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