The Niger State Police Command has deployed bomb disposal experts to evacuate an explosive device discovered along a roadside in the state, the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, has confirmed.
The device was found in the Ganaru community, Zugurma District of Mashegu Local Government Area, but the police dismissed initial reports by villagers that there were three explosive devices.
Confirming the incident on Tuesday, CP Elleman clarified the situation and reassured residents of their safety.
“An explosive device was found in the state. The command has deployed bomb experts to the scene to ascertain and possibly detonate the explosive. It was one explosive device and not three as claimed by the villagers.
“People should go about their legitimate businesses without fear of intimidation. Experts have been deployed to evacuate the bomb professionally,” the police boss said.
The explosive was spotted by farmers on their way to their farms in the Ganaru community, who alerted local authorities after initially reporting three devices planted by the roadside.
Mashegu Local Government Chairman, Jibrin Egade, told Punch that the area had been cordoned off to prevent any casualties.
“Some farmers in my local government were going to their farm when they found the explosives planted by the roadside. They immediately contacted me. I have also contacted the security agencies and they have taken over the place,” Egade said.
Expressing shock, the council chairman described Ganaru as a peaceful community.
“Me and my people, we were surprised to see a bomb planted in our domain. There is no security challenge here,” he added.
The discovery of the explosive device comes days after terrorists reportedly killed more than 40 people and abducted dozens during attacks in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of the state over the weekend.
Spokesman for the Niger State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the killings and said security operatives had been deployed to rescue the abducted victims.