The Niger State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of an explosive device by the roadside in the state and has deployed bomb disposal experts to safely evacuate it.
The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, disclosed this on Tuesday, clarifying that only one bomb was found, contrary to reports claiming that three explosive devices were discovered.
According to Elleman, the command has taken immediate action by sending bomb experts to the scene to examine and professionally evacuate the device. He assured residents that there is no cause for panic and urged them to continue with their normal activities.
“An explosive device was found in the state. The command has deployed bomb experts to the scene to assess and safely evacuate it. It was one explosive device, not three as reported by some villagers. People should go about their legitimate businesses without fear,” he said.
The bomb was reportedly discovered by farmers on their way to their farms in Ganaru community, located in the Zugurma District of Mashegu Local Government Area. The farmers raised an alarm after noticing what they believed were three explosives planted along the roadside.
Speaking on the development, the Chairman of Mashegu Local Government, Jibrin Egade, said the area had been cordoned off to prevent residents from getting close and to avoid possible casualties.
Egade expressed shock over the incident, noting that the community has not experienced any major security challenges in the past. He added that security agencies were immediately informed and have since taken control of the situation.
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“Some farmers were going to their farms when they discovered the explosives by the roadside and alerted me. I immediately contacted the security agencies, and they have taken over the area. We are all surprised because there has been no security challenge in this community,” he said.
The incident comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of Niger State, following recent attacks on Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas, where 42 people were reportedly killed and others abducted.
The spokesperson of the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attacks and said security operatives have been deployed to rescue those abducted.
