Kogi: Explosions rock Okene as Buhari arrives for project commissioning

By Richard Elesho

A staccato of explosions rocked part of Okene in Kogi ahead of arrival of President Muhammadu Buhari in the town for commissioning of projects executed by Governor Yahaya Bello administration on Thursday morning.

The deafening explosions rattled residents and other stakeholders awaiting the President’s arrival.

Initial reports indicated that the explosion occurred around 9am along Kuroko road, not far from the new Reference Hospital, one of the projects billed for commissioning by the President.

Three persons were feared killed in the explosion.

There are conflicting accounts on the cause of the explosion. While some around the area said it was a bomb blast, others claim it was transformer that exploded. explosion.

The explosion ignited inferno that consumed some vehicles, motorcycles and houses in the area.

News of the incidence sent jitters down the spine of people around the state famed among the safest in the country.

Repeated calls to the police and government officials on the matter were not responded to.

However, Kogi people remain excited about the President’s visit.

The President is expected to inaugurate projects in Okene and Lokoja among which are Specialist Hospital Okene, Confluence University of Science and Technology, Ganaja overhead bridge and Muhammadu Buhari Square among others.