26th April, 2012
Nigeria’s intelligence agency, the State Security Service has shed more light on the bombings of the Abuja and Kaduna Bureau offices of ThisDay newspapers earlier on Thursday.
The bombings in Kaduna also affected offices of The Sun and The Moments newspapers.
In a statement issues by Marily Ogar, Deputy Director Information, SSS, the Agency confirmed that both attacks were carried out by suicide bombers.
The agency also said three lives, including that of the Abuja suicide bomber were lost to the attacks while five others were injured.
Two others were killed in Kaduna by the suicide bomber who threw the bomb at them. The bomber was arrested and is now in police custody.
Ogar statement reads: “On 26th April, 2012, about 1100 hours, a dark green coloured Isuzu Jeep wired with bombs, forced its way into the premises of Thisday Newspaper, at Jabi, Abuja and it detonated killing the suicide bomber.
“Meanwhile, two (2) persons and the suicide bomber are confirmed dead while five (5) persons were injured and are currently receiving treatment.
“Also, at 1100 hours, two (2) persons in a cream coloured Honda Accord (Academy) car with registration number AL 306 MKA, drive into SOJ Global Communications and Investment Limited Plaza which houses correspondents of The Sun, Thisday and Moments Newspapers, located at R9, Kontagora road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna.
“One of the assailants, Umaru Umaru MUSTAPHA, an indigene of Maiduguri, Borno State, alighted the car with a container of Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
“He was immediately challenged by two (2) gallant Nigerians following which he threw the bomb at them and it denoted killing them instantly.
“Subsequently, MUSTAPHA pulled out a pistol and fired several shots in the air in an attempt to escape.
“He was however caught and subdued by brave members of the public who refused to be intimidated and handed him over to security forces.
“Nine (9) persons were injured and are receiving treatment.
“The Service wishes to state that the new affront on the media should not deter patriotic reportage of issues that affect our collective interest as Nigerians.
“While the Service sympathies with families of victims and the deceased, we wish to applaud the rare gallantry and patriotism exhibited by well meaning members of the public who risked their lives to save others.
“ We therefore call on all good citizens to rise up to the challenge of bringing an end to the menace of terrorism in our dear country.
Olusegun Adeniyi, ThisDay’s editorial board chairman also told journalists that the bombings was carried out through suicide attack.
“The suicide bomber came in a jeep,” Olusegun Adeniyi told reporters at the scene. “(Security guards) opened the gate for them … The guy drove in through the gate and rammed into the building and exploded.” The two guards were killed in the blast along with the bomber, he said. Five support staff were wounded.
“Fortunately the newsroom is a bit far from the back of the building,” said Adeniyi. “So all the people in the newsroom … are all safe,” he added.