A possible suicide bomb attack was averted on
Sunday morning in Bauchi, as vigilant residents caught and burnt a suspected
female suicide bomber to death.
The suspected bomber, it was gathered, was
apprehended at the ever-busy Muda Lawal market in the metropolis at about
7.00a.m when she was to have refused to be searched as the practice was in the
market.
According to an eyewitness, the woman, who was in
Hijab, arrived vegetable section of the market and was asked to be searched but
refused, adding that when her hijab was raised up, people found two bottles
suspected to be explosives on her.
This, according to the witness, infuriated the
people at the scene, adding that before anyone could know what was happening,
the mob had set her ablaze.
Another source informed that the suspected bomber
came to the market in company with a man in military uniform but they refused
to surrender themselves to be searched at the entrance of the market.
The source added that their refusal caused suspicion
among the people, adding that the man took to his heels on realising that the
atmosphere was becoming charged.
“Immediately the man saw that the environment was
no more conducive, he ran away leaving the woman behind. When people removed
the lady’s hijab, they saw two bottles which contained some substances
suspected to be explosives, so they immediately set her ablaze to avert bomb
blast in the market,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Bauchi State police
command spokesman, Haruna Mohammed, stated that the suspected suicide bomber
was set ablaze by an irate mob, adding the lady had died before rescue could
come.
“On the 1/3/2015 at about 0700hrs,information at
our disposal revealed that a yet-to-be identified lady who allegedly refused to
allow herself to be screened at the entrance of Muda Lawal Market, Bauchi, was
attacked by irate mob who took law into their hands and set her ablaze. As a
result, she died on the spot before rescue could come.
“Police patrol teams including explosive ordinance
disposal unit rushed to the scene, dispersed the rampaging crowd and restored
normalcy in the area,” Mohammed stated.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), a
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), however, warned members of the public
against taking law into their own hands, saying that anyone caught would face
the full wrath of the law.
According to him,”case is under investigation and
intensive patrol is ongoing in the area in order to apprehend the perpetrators
and prevent further breakdown of law and order.
“Finally, the command warned members of the public
against taking laws into their hands as anyone arrested will face the full
wrath of the law.”
Tags
Crime