How Jaji Bombers Tricked Security Men

Some soldiers and civilians have been arrested in connection with the suicide bomb blasts that rocked the military Protestant church inside the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna, yesterday, a military source told LEADERSHIP last night.

This came as the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Bola Koleosho, confirmed 11 killed while 30 were injured in the bombing.

Another source however said that 20 worshippers, including a senior military officer, were killed in the church that has a total of 1,200 worshippers. The area was cordoned off immediately the incident happened, thereby preventing journalists from gaining access to the scene.

The blast which affected mostly women and children, left many worshippers severely injured including a senior military officer (names withheld).

Our correspondent gathered that the suicide bombers drove past the command’s gate in a Toyota Camry car and a bus.

LEADERSHIP exclusively gathered that the bombers tricked the soldiers at the gate and passed with the cars loaded with bombs and other church materials.

A source within the military formation who pleaded anonymity, said, “The bombers came through the entrance gate and claimed they were conveying equipment to the church in preparation of next weekend of year bazaar and thanksgiving service.”

“The bombers hurried through the main military gate and when reaching the protestant church, parked the car at the window of the church choir stand, and immediately, the first explosion took place.  The second one exploded and killed over 20, including a senior officer. It happened around noon while they also wanted to bomb the Catholic church,” the source said.

Another source, who worships in the devastated church, told our correspondent that many military personnel of the Protestant faith worship in the targeted church.

 Our correspondents report that the victims were rushed to Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital and the 44 Army Reference Hospital.

Confirming the incident, the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Bola Koleosho said, “There were twin suicide bombings yesterday at St. Andrew Military Protestant Church, Jaji Military cantonment, at 1205 hours and 1215 hours.”

“A bus first ran into the church and exploded about five minutes after service while a Toyota Camry parked outside the church detonated 10 minutes later. Figures of casualties are 11 dead and about 30 injured. The injured are receiving treatment at Military hospitals both in Jaji and Kaduna,” he said.

According to him, investigations into the bombings have commenced and the area already cordoned off.”

A source who worships in the devastated church, told our correspondent that many military personnel of the Protestant faith worship in the targeted church.

Although details are still sketchy, LEADERSHIP gathered that there were many casualties.

Kaduan State Governor Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, through his media adviser, Reuben Buhari, said “It is with deep sadness that we sympathise with the family of those affected in the unfortunate incidence. No matter what happened, we are convinced that evil will never triumph over good forever and as such, we call on all to continue to cooperate with the government and security agencies to prevent incidents like this.”

Source: Leadership