EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for the recent explosion in Kogi State.
According to the Islamic State-backed faction of Boko Haram, the explosion was targeted at President Muhammadu Buhari, who was expected in the area that day.
This online media platform had earlier reported that there was an explosion close to the old palace of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, which left three persons dead and two others injured.
Buhari was expected to inaugurate some legacy projects by Governor Yahaya Bello on Thursday, December 29, before the explosion was heard before the Nigerian leader’s arrival.
Despite the tension, the president arrived in the state and went on with the project commissioning.
A statement, however, reportedly released by ISWAP in the new year said the attack was carried out by “soldiers of the caliphate.”
The terror group claimed in the statement that a car bomb was used and its target was the President, who was visiting the area.
This is the first time the terrorist group was claiming responsibility for attacks in Kogi State.
Some recent attacks claimed by the ISWAP terrorists in Kogi include an explosion on May 11 at a bar in the Lewu Junction area of Kabba town. It could be recalled that the explosion claimed three lives, but 16 persons were affected.
Subsequently, another explosion happened at a bar in the town, in Kabbah-Bunu Local Government Area. Also, in June 2022, the terrorists claimed responsibility for the explosion that led to the death of two persons during an annual festival in the Idoji area of Okene in Kogi.
The group also said it was responsible for the attack on two Nigerian government vehicles in the Adavi Local Government Area of Kogi State a few days later.
Subsequently, on October 18, the group said its fighters invaded a Celestial Church, Blood of Jesus Parish, in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, killing two persons and injuring several others.
Click to watch our video of the week
NNPCL reduces petrol price to ₦965 in Abuja. Independent marketers maintain higher prices, ranging from…
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, Thursday and Jan.1, 2025 as public holidays. This was…
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, says the lifting of ban on mining…