Abuja School Explosion: Police arrest proprietor, launches probe

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested Adamu Ashimu, proprietor of Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School in Kuchibuyi Village, Bwari Area Council, in connection with a bomb explosion that occurred on Monday, January 6, 2025.

FCT police spokesperson Josephine Adeh confirmed the incident, stating that the explosion, which took place around 11 a.m., involved an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) reportedly brought to the school by three men who had previously met with the proprietor.

The device detonated on the school’s veranda while the men were tampering with it, resulting in the immediate death of two of the suspects. A third man and a female trader nearby sustained critical injuries and are receiving medical treatment under police watch.

The statement read, “The FCT Police Command regrets to inform the public of a tragic incident involving a suspected bomb explosion that occurred on January 6, 2025, at approximately 11 am at the Tsangagyar Sani Uthman Islamiyya School, located in Kuchibuyi Village, Byazhin area of the FCT.

“Upon receiving a distress call from the Sarki of Kuchibuyi, a team of police operatives, including the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and the Area Commander of Kubwa, swiftly mobilised to the scene. The area was immediately cordoned off to protect residents and facilitate a thorough investigation.

Adeh added, “During the rescue operation, victims were promptly evacuated and rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that three men from Katsina had visited the owner of the Islamic school, Mallam Adamu Ashimu. The three visitors are suspected of having brought the explosive device with them.

“Tragically, two of the men died in the explosion while tampering with the improvised explosive Device on the school veranda, while the third man and a female trader sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment under police guard.

“The FCT Bomb Squad has confirmed that it was an IED explosion, as remnants of the device have been recovered.

“Mallam Adamu Ashimu, the owner of the school, has been taken into custody for questioning, and further findings will be communicated in due course.”

She said the FCT Police Commissioner, Olatunji Disu, urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities or items to the authorities.