A quiet Monday morning in Kuchibuyi Village, a suburb of Abuja, was shattered by a bomb explosion at Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School, leaving one student dead and four others injured. The tragic incident, which occurred around noon on January 6, 2025, has plunged the community in Bwari Area Council into grief and raised critical questions about safety in educational institutions.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command confirmed the explosion, describing it as an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast. In a statement issued by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, the incident was reported around 11:00 AM, prompting an immediate response from police operatives and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
How It Happened
According to initial reports, three men from Katsina were visiting the school owner, Mallam Adamu Ashimu, when the explosion occurred. Police investigations revealed that the men had allegedly brought the explosive device to the school. Tragedy struck as the IED detonated while being tampered with on the school veranda, killing two of the visitors instantly.
“The blast caused pandemonium in the school and left other victims, including a female trader and one of the suspects, severely injured,” a police source revealed. Emergency responders rushed the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the area was cordoned off to prevent further casualties.
The deceased student, whose identity has not been confirmed, was reportedly carrying the explosive substance when it detonated. The FCT Police have detained Mallam Adamu Ashimu for questioning as investigations continue.
Eyewitness Accounts and Reactions
Residents of Kuchibuyi Village described the scene as chaotic, with parents rushing to the school to ensure their children’s safety. “We heard a loud bang, and everyone ran towards the school,” a local trader recounted. “It’s heartbreaking to see innocent lives caught in such an incident.”
Another source familiar with the matter disclosed that the students involved in the explosion were newly admitted and had only resumed on January 3, 2025.
Security Agencies Respond
The swift response of the FCT Police Command and the bomb squad has been commended, but the incident raises broader concerns about the proliferation of explosives in civilian areas. The police recovered remnants of the device and confirmed it as an IED.
The Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, has urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. “We need everyone to work together to ensure public safety,” he said. “If you notice anything unusual, report it immediately through our emergency numbers.”
