Following the Wednesday afternoon bomb blast at the Emab
Plaza, Abuja, some of the hospitalised victims at the Maitama District who
survived the disturbing incident recounted their experience while speaking with
Punch. Amongst the survivors are Donald Tyokasi (student), Sulaiman Ademola
(fashion designer) Michael Ojeh(vendor)
Bomber pretended to be drunk –Tyokasi
Tyokasi, a 22-year-old student of the National Open University of Nigeria,
said, “I am studying Business Entrepreneurship and Management. “On that fateful
day, I just crossed over to buy corn because I was a bit hungry. I bought the
corn but when I turned back, I saw the man (bomber) driving a Toyota Sienna and
trying to get into the plaza through the exit gate. The security men told him
to go back and follow the right way but he was behaving as if he was drunk.
“Within seconds after I left that point, I heard a big bang and found myself on
the ground. My right leg was affected. Presently, I can’t stand with it. I saw
corpses everywhere –
Ademola Twenty four –year-old Ademola, who is a fashion
designer, also said the bomber insisted on going into the Plaza through the
exit gate. He added, “When he (bomber) was challenged by the security men at
the exit gate, he insisted on going ahead. As he bent his head towards the
Sienna that he was driving, I told my friend that we should get away from
there. “Within a few seconds, there was an explosion. Many people died and that
is why I give thanks to Almighty God. I saw many corpses on the ground. Heads,
hands and legs littered everywhere. I thought my head was blown off
–Olatunji
Olatunji, a student of Biology/Integrated Science at the Federal College of
Education, Kontangora, Niger State, said he arrived in Abuja from Oyo State on
Wednesday only to be welcomed by the blast. He said, “I came from Oyo State
yesterday (Wednesday) to hussle and make some money for my school fees before
the end of the strike by Polytechnics and colleges of education workers. “As a
casual staff with Glo, I normally get Sim cards to sell and make some money.
The incident happened when we were going to the mosque to observe the 4pm
prayer. On our way, we saw some people arguing and they didn’t allow a car to
enter the plaza. “As the argument continued, I heard an explosion and
immediately, I saw human flesh and bones littering everywhere. I was confused
and I din’t know what I was doing again. I thought my head had been blown off
by the blast. I touched my head while on the ground and realised that it was
there. I stood up and was looking for help, but help didn’t come immediately.
The bomber bought newspaper from me –Ojeh Nineteen -year-old Ojeh said the
bomber first bought a newspaper from him and asked irrelevant questions before
leaving to enter his vehicle. “One man wearing caftan came to buy a newspaper
from me and was asking me irrelevant questions. Even when I wanted to give him
his change, he wasn’t ready to collect it. He kept asking me irrelevant
questions. If I answer him, he would laugh and ask another question.
Afterwards, he left and entered his vehicle close to the exit gate of the
plaza. It was not long after he left that there was an explosion and I saw
myself on the road before the police came .”
I’m still searching for my husband
–Uche Ojeh Mrs Ojeh, who is Micheal’s mother , said she was still searching for
her husband, Rufus. She said, “My husband left home around 5 am on Thursday. My
son, Michael helps someone to sell newspapers by the plaza. “I have seen my son
but I have not seen my husband. My son told me he saw his father as he went to
pick a passenger. He gave Michael some money and said after dropping off the
passenger, he would go and watch the Nigeria- Argentina World Cup match at
home. “He wanted Michael to follow him but the boy said no. Micheal said a man
who came to buy newspaper was using delay tactics by asking him questions and
immediately he (bomber) left, the bomb exploded. The blood of the bomber was
all over my son’s body. As I talk to you now, I don’t know where my husband is.
We are still searching for him.
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