The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has debunked the rumour of an alleged car explosion close to Eagle’s Square, the proposed venue for the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect, Bola Tinubu, on May 29.
The police said burning flames, suspected to be due to a mechanical fault, were noticed underneath a coaster bus heading towards the Nyanya axis from Maitama, Abuja.
This is contrary to reports (not by The PUNCH) making the rounds, that a vehicle exploded within close proximity to the Eagle’s Square at about 9 pm on Tuesday night.
Reacting to the development following an inquiry by our correspondent, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, asked citizens and residents to disregard the rumour, adding that the FCT Police Command has continued to intensify the security of the territory in the build-up to the handover ceremony and beyond.
Adeh said, “Today, Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at about 9 pm, a coaster bus heading towards the Nyanya axis from Maitama was noticed with burning flames underneath suspected to be due to a mechanical fault.
“The driver’s attention was eventually got close to the Eagle Square, by Shehu Shagari way where the flames increased. The occupants safely alighted before the fire razed down the bus.
“No life or personal effect other than the razed vehicle was damaged as the situation was aptly managed by police operatives from the Central Police Station thereby curbing any form of escalation.
“Members of the public are therefore enjoined to disregard contrary and misleading narratives, emanating from malicious and misguided quarters even as the command continues to intensify the security of the territory in this transition period and beyond.”
