Chinedu Eze
The sound of explosion sent intended pilgrims at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport running helter-skelter, petrified when the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) blew unclaimed luggage in order to forestall possible bombing of the facility.
The passengers who suspected that the sound was a bomb blast, scampered from the terminal until they learnt that there was no danger but a safety measure to protect their lives.
In line with international practices, unattended luggage at the airports are usually destroyed in case bombs are hidden in them, but when the luggage was destroyed, there was no bomb hidden in it; rather Hajj materials were found.
FAAN in a statement signed by the agency’s spokesperson, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, FAAN explained that at about 9:30 am, an unattended bag was noticed at the Hajj and Cargo terminal, after the departure of the 4th flight for the intending pilgrims.
“The Chief Security Officer of FAAN, Hajj and Cargo Terminal as well as the Bomb Disposal Unit were contacted and they began the process of finding out the owner and the content of the bag.
No one claimed ownership of the bag, so the decision to blow up the bag using an explosive device was made, which in turn caused some panic amongst the second batch of intending pilgrims waiting.
“After detonation, it was discovered that the bag contained some copies of an Islamic guide; meant for pilgrims to guide them with regards to their journey,†FAAN said.
The agency therefore advised the passengers to be cautious of their belongings, and ensure that their belongings were securely kept.
The authority assured the public that there was no bomb and the Hajj and Cargo Terminal was safe, secure for flight operations.
