How female suicide bomber entered FCE, Kontagora

After her paper that morning, the late Ajoke, an English/Education student left the college auditorium for her hostel. It was learnt that she hurriedly left the auditorium because she wanted to ease herself at the hostel; but unknown to her, the cruel hands of death waited for her.According to an eyewitness, the suicide bomber had […]

After her paper that morning, the late Ajoke, an English/Education student left the college auditorium for her hostel. It was learnt that she hurriedly left the auditorium because she wanted to ease herself at the hostel; but unknown to her, the cruel hands of death waited for her.
According to an eyewitness, the suicide bomber had approached Ajoke about 12:30pm as she headed to the hostel and enquired of the way to the college auditorium or library. Little did the student know that the bomber concealed explosives under her veil.
The bomber was, however, unable to get to her target before the explosive on her detonated, killing her and Ajoke in the process.  Ajoke, who was just few meters away from the suicide bomber after parting ways, was hit by the blast. A well known disabled beggar in the college, who had approached them for alms, was also hit by the blast.
Speaking to Sunday Trust, the late Ajoke’s uncle, Abdulrasheed Oludege, whom she had lived with from childhood, said it was the quest for a higher certificate that brought her back to Kontagora after obtaining the National Certificate in Education (NCE) from the same college. According to him, the indigene of Ondo State needed a degree certificate to enable her get a good job. They lived at New Bussa in Bargu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Oludege said he got the information about his sister’s death through a family member in Kontagora. He described his late niece as very caring and loving, and prayed for the repose of her soul.
Speaking to our reporter, provost of the college, Dr. Nathaniel Odediran, described the incident as unfortunate, saying their relentless prayers had saved the college from a major disaster. He said it would have been quite catastrophic if the suicide bomber had gained entry into the library where students were busy preparing for semester exams, or the auditorium where exams were taking place.
In a statement signed by the spokesperson to the Niger State governor, Israel Ebije, the governor, Dr. Muazu Babangida Aliyu, condemned the attack, describing it as a dastardly act. He, however, thanked God that the casualty figure was quite low. He urged the people of Kontagora and indeed, Niger State to remain calm as they go about their businesses.
He said a full scale investigation had commenced on the incident, and called on the people of Niger State to always keep vigil and take note of strange faces in their communities.
Aliyu said the state government had already doubled security in all schools within its jurisdiction, adding that a team of security personnel had been inaugurated to ensure continuous screening of people in school environments.
“Students affected by the blast are already receiving treatment for injuries sustained,’’ he added, and expressed optimism that those receiving treatment would soon be discharged from the hospital.
The police public relations officer, Niger State command, DSP Ibrahim Gambari, while confirming the incident, said the police were on top on the situation and investigation had begun.