26th March, 2012
There were controversies on the nature of sound heard around the vicinity of the United States’ Embassy in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja on Monday afternoon as some of those who heard the loud explosion described it as a bomb blast, while others insisted the noise came from a firework set off from an undeveloped plot in the area.
The loud noise was said to have resulted in pandemonium and scampering for safety by those around the vicinity.
Some itinerant traders in the vicinity confirmed the “explosion” at the area known as the Diplomatic Zone and which also houses many other embassies.
Deb MacLean, the Information Officer at the U.S. embassy in an e-mail message to reporters said the loud noise was from gunshots fired at the well guarded Embassy.
“We believe there were shots fired in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy. The Nigerian authorities have two individuals in custody. We refer you to the Nigeria police for further information.”
Jimoh Moshood, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command spokesman, confirmed that the police received a report of an incident after which a patrol vehicle was sent to the vicinity.
He added that there has been no arrest in connection with the incident.