Wike dismisses suicide bomber claim, assures Abuja’s residents of safety

By Ukpono Ukpong

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has debunked reports linking a recent explosion in Abuja to a suicide bombing, urging the public to avoid spreading false narratives that could spark panic among residents.

Speaking during a tour of ongoing projects in the FCT, Wike warned against misrepresenting security reports and stressed the importance of accurate information.

The minister attributed the incident to mishandling of explosives and not an act of terrorism.

Emphasizing that no security agency confirmed the presence of a suicide bomber, the Minister reiterated the need for professionalism in media reportage.

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Wike appealed to journalists and residents alike not to sensationalize the situation, which he described as an isolated incident resulting from ignorance.

“Well, be careful not to create an impression. The security never said it was a suicide bomber. So that you don’t go and create an impression and put fear in people.

“What happened there was that somebody went to where we have these quarries, where they blast all these rocks and took the explosive and put it in his pocket. Of course, some of them may not even understand the implication of that. And so it exploded on him.

“So, that does not mean that it is a suicide bomber. So we should be careful in the story we will plant. And let not send the wrong message to the residents. You have said that the residents are also aware that there is improvement in security.” He said

The Minister reassured residents that Abuja remains one of the safest cities in the country.

He also affirmed that the FCT Administration remains committed to strengthening security in the territory.

“To allay the fears of the residents that Abuja is still secured. In fact, it is the most secured are as far as this country is concerned. We are doing everything possible. So, I did not get the report that the person is a suicide bomber. That is not correct.”