An intense explosion rattled Maitama, the central district of Abuja, causing alarm throughout the city. However, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has urged citizens to remain calm, clarifying that the blast resulted from an over-heated refuse bin.
Josephine Adeh, the spokesperson for the command, stated, “The FCT Police Command wishes to update the public on an alleged explosion on January 24, 2024, about 11.45 p.m., near a refuse dump outside the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) premises in Maitama, Abuja.” She added that a rapid response team and members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit were dispatched to assess the situation. Preliminary findings revealed that an overheated metal refuse container activated under intense heat, causing injury to two refuse evacuators who are currently receiving medical attention at Maitama General Hospital.
In light of this incident, the command advised the public to refrain from using metal refuse bins and recommended the use of plastic or rubber containers for waste disposal, as they pose a reduced risk of incidents related to overheated metal refuse containers.
Following the surge in kidnapping incidents in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, the Minister, has issued orders for the establishment of vigilance teams in the six area councils of the territory. Wike emphasized the importance of thorough profiling for members of these groups during a strategic security meeting with members of the FCT Council of Chiefs and council chairmen.
He stated, “We have asked all the area councils to set up vigilance teams, and we believe that those vigilance teams won’t be the ones perpetrating crimes. Therefore, they must be profiled, so that they are known.” Wike assured collaboration with traditional rulers to ensure fool-proof security for the nation’s capital. The minister also directed the police and other security agencies to itemize their needs, pledging to address them to enhance public safety. In response, the Chairman of the FCT Council of Chiefs expressed confidence in Wike’s ability to positively impact the fortunes of the territory.