Another Explosion Rocks Kogi Community

Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

Barely two weeks after the bomb explosion that rocked the ancient town of Kabba, the headquarters of the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, the state has experienced another explosion at a beer parlour opposite police station in the town.

Sources said the explosion, which occurred at Odo Akete in the centre of Kabba town at 9: 15 p.m., was the second explosion in the community in the last two weeks.

The first explosion which has continued to generate controversies as to whether it was a bomb or a gas cylinder, occurred on May 11 at a beer parlour around Lewu Junction in Kabba Town, which claimed three lives out of the 16 persons affected in that explosion.

However, the last explosion did not claim any lives, but the building was badly damaged.

The Kogi State Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP William Aya, who confirmed the incident, said there was no casualty in the explosion.

Aya explained that the explosion happened at one Omofemi Bar at Odo Akete quarters in Kabba, adding: “As it is now, there is no casualty, but only chairs, tables and the building were affected by the yet-to-be-determined nature of the explosion.

According to him, “Already, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Edward Egbuka, has directed our DC Investigations and the Bomb Detective Squad to move to the scene to ascertain the nature of the explosion.

“The police are on top of the situation, as our officers and men drafted to the area have cordoned the place until an investigation reveals the real cause of the explosion.

 “It’s very unfortunate that criminal elements are out to disrupt the prevailing peace we are enjoying in Kogi State.

“We shall not rest until we bring to book such elements and let them see the need to maintain peace in our society.”

Aya called on the people of Okepadi and Kabba to be calm and go about their normal duties without any fear as the police were on top of the situation.