Security agencies put the death toll of Monday’s twin blasts in Kano at 12, a number many sources have refuted.
Mortuary sources at the Malam Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, AKTH, in Kano, northwest, Nigeria, Tuesday afternoon, confirmed to P.M.NEWS that 24 dead bodies were brought to the specialist hospital, while three critically injured persons were being treated.
“I can confirm to you that 24 dead bodies were brought here—20 men and four women. Three critically wounded persons are also receiving treatment here,” said a source in AKTH.
The death count of 24 at AKTH, excludes other victims in other government hospitals—where the dead and wounded were admitted.
At AKTH, Emeka Mba, a top management officer of The Young Shall Grow Motors was lying critically ill.
According to him, “this is a tragic incident; we are surprised why we were chosen as targets. I think those that perpetrated this dastardly act must be fished out. I am in real pains.”
Emmanuel Ani, a worker in a relaxation joint, said he could not describe what actually happened.
“As I am talking to you now, I cannot explain what really happened. The only thing I could remember was that I was about serving a plate of Isi-ewu for a customer when I heard a deafening noise that shook the ground and displaced people.”
Speaking on the blasts, Kano state Governor, Engr. Rabi’u Musa Kwnkwaso’s Media Manager, Halilu I. Dantiye said: “Governor Rabi’u Musa of Kano state has strongly condemned last night’s (Monday) multiple bomb blasts at New road and Enugu road in Kano city.
“The governor, who visited the scene of the attack early this morning, described the incident as devastating, stating that it is an attack on the whole of Nigeria.
“This attack on Sabon Gari is an attack on Nigeria because Muslims and Christians are involved. Several people of different ethnic extraction have either lost their lives or are critically injured. Whoever did this thing targeted Nigeria.
“The governor promised that the state government will continue to work with security agencies to maintain peace and protect lives and property. He appealed to the people to continue to support security agencies to make the state safer and to go about their normal activities calmly.
“Governor Kwankwaso, who visited Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital in Kano city to commiserate with the hospitalized victims, promised that the state government will shoulder the cost of their treatment.
“He therefore directed the state Commissioner for Health to ensure that the victims get the best of treatment in public or private hospital in the state.
“The governor extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident, praying Allah to stand by them in this moment of sorrow,” he said.
In a statement signed by the Kano State Police Command spokesman, ASP Magaji Majia, the police gave its account of the blasts: “multiple explosion at Enugu/Igbo Road and New Road at about 2100 hours, the incident occurred at a Tavern known as Mary Cool and Zuma Cool Spot, respectively. As a result, 12 died on the spot, 12 injured, 19 vehicles parked at the scenes damaged. Corpses and the injured were to Government Hospitals in the state. We are still monitoring events as investigations remain on progress.”
Authorities of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army also said 12 persons died in multiple terrorist attacks on Sabon Gari, an enclave carved out for non-natives.
But in another statement signed by the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Kano, Chief Michael Tobias Idika, 39 people died in New Road and bombing and six in Igbo/Enugu Road; and also unspecified numbers of people who got injured.
“The team of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano state chapter arrived the scenes at about 9:30 P.M. and witnessed the moving of dead bodies and the wounded by security agencies, mostly the Army”.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, however, can recall that this is not the first time terrorists invaded Sabon Gari, particularly on New Road. In fact, on that same spot where the latest incident happened, several attempts have been made to terrorize Nigerian citizens. As a reputable organization, we call for adequate security of lives and property in northern Nigeria.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo also commends the spirited efforts of the Assistant Inspector General of Police, David Omojola in-charge of Zone 1, who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura to the scene of the incident for on-the-spot assessment.”
Other reports put the death toll at 45.
