SAN FRANCISCO, August 08, (THEWILL) – The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has declared that there was no explosion at the Hajj /Cargo axis of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
THEWILL noted that there was anxiety and palpable fear around the terminal in the early hours ofTuesdaydue to rumours of an explosion at the airport.
FAAN, in a statement, revealed that it was caused by an unattended bag, which was blown up by the Police Bomb Disposal Unit, when nobody claimed ownership of the bag.
According to the Acting General Manager, Public Affairs at FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, passengers are to keep their belongings close to them when undergoing profiling and check in procedures at the airport.
“The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to refute rumoured bomb scare at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, today, Tuesday, August 8, 2017,” the statement read.
“At about9:30 a.m., an unattended bag was noticed at the Hajj and Cargo terminal, after the departure of the fourth flight for the intending pilgrims.
“The Chief Security Officer of FAAN at Hajj and Cargo Terminal as well as the Bomb Disposal Unit were contacted and 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.
“Passengers are advised to be cautious of their belongings, and ensure that all properties are securely kept.
“The Authority would like to assure the general public that there was no bomb and the Hajj and Cargo Terminal is safe, secure for flight operations.”
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