Massive Explosion Rocks Gombe State Governor's Residence
A massive explosion today, June 5 at about 6pm rocked Governor of Gombe state, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo's private residence around the GRA/Pantami area of the state.
There has been no report on the number of casualties and damage caused by the explosion. But sources said the bomb exploded from one of the Police Armored Personnel Carrier (armour tanks) stationed in front of the governor's house.
Although no group has claimed responsibility for the bomb blast. The Police, Fire Department and military officials are however reported to be presently at the scene of the incident.
Government officials are reported to be have encouraged members of the public to go about their normal duties as security operatives are on the matter.
This explosion is coming few days after the Emir of Gwoza, Alhaji Idrisa Timta died in an attack by suspected Boko Haram sects on May 27.
UPDATE:
New reports from SaharaReporters have revealed that the incident was a suicide bomb attack. It was also stated that five people, including three soldiers, a teenage boy and the assailant were killed.
Network station, Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) previously described the incident as an “accidental discharge” from an Armored Personnel Carrier guarding the governor’s residence.
Several security agents and a youth activist, IG Wala, who is a resident of Gombe and whose home was affected by the blast, have confirmed the attack.
“It was a suicide bomber that launched an attack at the military APC stationed right in front of Gombe State Governor's residence,” Wala recounted, adding that the remains of the suicide bomber were found near the fence of his own home.
The assailant reportedly drove a pickup van with Adamawa state plate number AA545 registered in Mubi, and the bomb seems to have been planted in the back of the van in the midst of bags of beans, according to investigators.
The spot in the middle of the road where the bomb went off still has a big crater that is not beneath the APC.
The explosion started a series of smaller fires and explosions that damaged several buildings in the GRA part of Gombe Township.
Source: Legit.ng
