The administrative office of Okehi Local Government Area of Kogi State has been blown off by yet to be identified assailants.
The explosion which rocked the Obangede area of the local government on Monday, threw the residents into panic.
The Nigerian police, Kogi State command, has yet to react to the incident, although it was learnt that detectives had been deployed to the scene.
The explosion was the second after a car bomb explosion killed no fewer than four people and left others injured in the neighbouring Okene Local Government Area of Kogi January.
Recall that the January attack occurred on the morning of President Muhammadu Buhari’s state visit to commission projects in Kogi.
Days after the attack, the Department of State Services (DSS) reported that suspected masterminds of the explosion were arrested and in custody.
The suspected mastermind, Abdulmumin Ibrahim-OTARU (aka Abu Mikdad) and one of his associates, Saidu Suleiman were named by the DSS.
Mr Peter Afunanya, DSS Public Relations Officer (PRO) in a statement issued in Lokoja, said that the mastermind and his associate, were arrested in Kogi by personnel of the service.
Afunnaya said that during the arrest, ibrahim-OTARU sustained a gunshot injury on his left foot while attempting to escape but “he is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed health facility.”
“During investigations, it was ascertained that OTARU was a high commander of Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and either coordinated or was involved in the dastardly operations that include the June 24, 2022 attack on Nigeria Police Area Command, Eika-Ohizenyi, Okehi LGA of Kogi State.
“Unfortunately, a Police Inspector, Idris MUSA, was killed and two AK-47 rifles were carted away in that attack,.
“It would be recalled that five (5) persons including one Indian, two Policemen and two (2) drivers of the company were also killed in the attack, while the kidnapped expatriates were only released on Aug 31, 2022.
“OTARU operated terrorists cells in and around Kogi State and with his gang, had staged several kidnap operations in Kogi and Ondo States.
“With the suspects in our custody, they will be prosecuted accordingly, ” the PRO said.
While assuring that the suspects would be prosecuted accordingly, Afunnaya reiterated the Service’s commitment to the safety of the nation.
Meanwhile, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the central senatorial district has canceled the earlier scheduled grand finale of their campaign.
Sources in the party told Ebira Reporters suggested the decision was due to security reasons.
