Former Head of State and chieftain of the All Progressive Congress, Maj-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari has alleged that the bomb blast which he escaped in Kaduna State on Wednesday, was actually an assassination attempt on his life.
The first blast occurred along Alkali/Isa Kaita road which was targeted at a renowned Islamic cleric, Dahiru Bauchi.
Buhari, in a personally signed statement in Kaduna on Wednesday, said he was clearly the target of the bomber who detonated the explosive device on his convoy along Ali Akilu road,Kawo in Kaduna State.
The former Head of State said the incident occurred on his way to Daura, in Katsina in his home state at about 2.30pm, noting that his security details were affected by the blast but “I came out unhurt.”
“I was personally involved in a clearly targeted bomb attack today at about 2:30pm on my way to Daura.
“The unfortunate event, clearly an assassination attempt came from a fast moving vehicle that made many attempt to overtake my security car, but was blocked by escort vehicle.
“We reached the market area of Kawo where he took advantage of our slowing down and attempted to ram my car and instantly detonated the bomb which destroyed all the three cars in our convoy.
“Unfortunately, when I came out of my vehicle, I saw many dead bodies littered around. They were innocent people going about their daily business who became victims of mass murder.
“Thank God for His mercy, I came out unhurt, but with three of my security staff sustaining minor injuries. They have since been treated in hospital and discharged.”
Meanwhile, former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and All Progressive Congress chieftain, Nasir El-Rufai has suggested that the attack on General Muhammed Buhari in Kaduna might be the work of trained snipers charged to assassinate the opposition leader.
El-Rufai made the allegation via his facebook account, where he wrote, “INTERESTING TIMES: Buhari cautions Jonathan against impunity. Two days later, Boko Haram responds to this by bombing Buhari’s convoy. Are these the Snipers at work? And who are they working for? It does not take a genius to know.
“May Allah Expose all the purveyors of evil and division, Destroy their agenda and Defeat them in their war against our citizens, Amen. – Nasir El-Rufai”
President Goodluck Jonathan has however condemned the bombings in Kaduna which he said appeared to have targeted former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari and prominent Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.
President Jonathan denounces the dastardly targeting of the prominent political and religious leaders by terrorists and enemies of the nation in an odious attempt to inflame passions and exacerbate disquiet, fear, insecurity and sectional divisions in the country.
While thanking God Almighty for sparing the lives of General Buhari and Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi, the President extends sincere condolences to the families of those who were sadly killed by the bomb blasts.
President Jonathan also commiserates with all those who were injured in the twin bombings in this Holy Month of Ramadan which defy the tenets of Islam, and provide further proof that the terrorists are nothing but blood-thirsty extremists bent on undermining the unity and progress of the nation.
The President assures residents of Kaduna and all other Nigerians that the Federal Government will continue and further intensify its ongoing efforts to effectively curb the menace of terrorism in the country.
He has specifically directed the Police and other national security agencies to take all necessary actions to apprehend the perpetrators of today’s attacks on Kaduna and urges all residents of the city to give them the fullest possible cooperation and support as they work to bring the terrorists to justice.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Government has imposed a 24-hour curfew within the metropolis following an explosion that occurred in two places.
A statement issued by the governor’s Deputy Director, Media and Publicity, Ahmed Maiyaki, in Kaduna, said that Gov. Mukhtar Yero described the attacks as the height of ‘cowardice’ by those bent on creating tension in the state, said the statement.
“Following the unfortunate situation, a twenty four (24) hours curfew has been imposed on Kaduna metropolis with immediate effect, to enable security agencies restore normalcy.
“Enemies of peace have visited us with their ungodly venom of wanton destruction of human lives.
“This blast, coming in the Holy Month of Ramadan, is a clear indication that those behind the act have no iota of fear of God as they have none for the sanctity of human life,’’ the statement read in part.
The governor, therefore, assured residents of the state that government and security agencies would ensure the security of their lives and property.
Yero urged people in the state to be more vigilant with happenings around them, avoid unnecessary crowded areas, and report suspicious objects and movements to security agencies.
“The time has come for us to eschew all our differences and confront these brazen attacks as united people.
“Those behind these attacks have no regards for whatever diversity as their victims cut across all ethnic and religious divides. It is a responsibility on all of us to unite against this common enemy,” he appealed.
The governor commiserated with families of victims of the blasts and directed security agencies to intensify surveillance while they pursue perpetrators of the attacks.
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