State Security Service arrests alleged mastermind of Kogi blast during Buhari’s visit
The alleged mastermind of the fatal bombing in Kogi State ahead of President Muhammadu Buhari‘s visit to Kogi State, Abdulmumin Otaru, has been arrested alongside one of his associates Sa’idu Sulaiman, by the State Security Service,(SSS).
Penpushing reports that spokesperson of the agency Peter Afunanya made this known on Tuesday in a statement adding that the alleged mastermind operates terrorist cells in and around Kogi State and environs
The Department spokesman said the bomb was a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), stating that agency found out that Otaru is a top commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in several dastardly operations.
Penpushing further reports that Afunanya disclosed that Otaru , while attempting to escape sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot and he is currently receiving treatment at a health facility as at the time of this report
The statement said some of the operations Otaru was involved in included the 24th June 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi local government area of of Kogi State, adding that an Police Inspector, Idris Musa was killed and two (2) AK-47 rifles carted away in that attack.
“The 5th July 2022 attack on Kuje Medium Security Custodial Centre in Kuje Area Council of the FCT. The 5th August 2022 attack on West African Ceramics Ltd (WACL) in Ajaokuta LGA, Kogi in which three (3) Indian expatriates were kidnapped,” he said.
Penpushing also reports that, the State Security Service (SSS) image maker stated in the statement that in the last operation, five persons including one Indian national, two policemen and two drivers were killed.
The explosion, which occurred last Thursday close to the old palace of the Ohinoyi of Igbiraland in Karaworo District, Adavi Local Government Area, it is recalled claimed the lives of four people at the scene.
Penpushing reports that, it is also recalled that the Kogi State bomb blast occurred minutes before the arrival of the President to commission some projects in the area, however, the visit was not cancelled as Buhari commissioned Reference Hospital, Okene, less than a kilometre from the Ohinoyi’s palace.
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