Lagos residents panic over bomb rumours

“Police say they are on top of the security situation in the state following the attack at UN office, Abuja.” 

Following Friday’s bomb blast at the United Nations Headquarters in Abuja, which resulted in the death of 18 people and scores injured, Lagos residents panicked over rumours of a similar attack in the commercial city.

The rumours went viral via text messages and BlackBerry chat warning residents to stay off Third Mainland  Bridge and its environs as there were unconfirmed reports of a supposed bomb blast to take place in Lagos within the next 24 hours.

The message read: “Lagosians are advised to stay off Third Mainland Bridge and its territory. There are unconfirmed reports of a supposed bombing in Lagos within 24hrs after the UN Abuja bomb blast. Military roadblocks and other emergency measures might result in  traffic and congestion. Other alternative routes usage is advised.”

When contacted, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Anti Bomb Squad, Ambrose Aisabor, said that he was not away of such messages, adding that the police was alert to forestall possible attacks. “I am just hearing that from you,” he said. “We would do all that is in our power to protect the lives and property in Lagos.”

-By Godwin Akanfe 

Source: DailyTimes