Bomb Scare At US Embassy In Lagos, Police Dismiss Report

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE

A mystery bag which was allegedly abandoned in a vehicle at the premises of the United States Embassy in Lagos yesterday triggered fear, apprehension and scare of bomb among visa seekers, visitors and staff of the embassy.

But in a swift reaction, the Police says no bomb was planted at the Embassy.

P.M.EXPRESS gathered that report of an abandoned bomb was widely spread after the bag was discovered by one of the security guards attached to the Embassy.

Visitors and visa applicants as well as staff of the Embassy have to run for their dear lives to avoid being caught up in the event of an explosion.

The unfortunate incident caused huge pandemonium at the Walter Carrington Cresent, Victoria Island, as drivers made quick U-turn when they heard the news.

No sooner than the news went viral, a combined team of anti-riot policemen from the Anti Bomb Unit of the Lagos State Police Command and mobile policemen were drafted to the area.

Policemen have to cordon-off the entire area while detectives from the anti bomb unit went in to ascertain the nature of the IED.

Minutes later, the police team along with some officials of the Embassy left.

Addressing crime correspondents on the alleged bomb scare, the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, dismissed the whole drama, insisting that there was no bomb planted at the American Embassy in the state.

He disclosed that the suspected bag kept in one of the vehicles at the Consular General Office, Victoria Island, only contained medical equipment.

“We got a call at about 7.40am concerning the strange bag. I immediately dispatched the anti-bomb team, Marine Police and anti-terrorist personnel to the scene. The anti-bomb team professionally removed the bag from the vehicle. After scanning the bag, they discovered that all items inside were medical tools.

“We are, however, investigating the reason the bag was left there and who is the owner. We don’t want to leave anything to chance.

“We want to also allay the fear of people in Lagos and the diplomatic community that there is no cause for alarm. There was no bomb planted at the America Embassy in Lagos.

“The police in Lagos assures foreigners and citizens of their safety. We are ever ready to live up to our constitutional responsibilities.

“Since the bag was removed from the Embassy, normal activities have resumed, ” Owoseni said.

The Commissioner of Police displayed the content of the bag before newsmen. It  included bandages, scissors,  plaster among others. The bag with the contents were taken to anti-bomb office for further investigations.