There was apprehension among residents of Kuje in the Federal Capital Territory last night following the repeated sounds of bomb detonation, gunshots being heard in the area.
A group of terrorists on Tuesday night attacked the Kuje Medium Custodial Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital with bombs in an apparent move to gain entry into the facility and free some of its members.
A high calibre bomb had first gone off at about 10:25pm followed by a second and third blasts as well as sporadic gunshots that residents into panic mode.
There were fears among residents that the correctional center was under attack by armed men.
A resident of the area, Joshua Friday, told our correspondent that the shootings have been ongoing for over 20 minutes after the series of loud explosions
He said the situation has caused panic in the area.
He said, “Currently in Kuje and the shooting has been going on for almost 20 minutes now. I can’t tell you what is happening whether it is a robbery or not but we have been hearing that gunshots repeatedly around the area the prison is located. We are all scared as I speak to you. ”
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Correctional Service, Umar Abubakar asked our correspondent to call him back.
Efforts to get the police spokesperson in the FCT, Josephine Adeh, proved abortive as calls to her line were not answered. She has also not responded to messages sent to her.
The Punch and additional reports
