Residents of Kuchibuyi, a suburb of Abuja in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have urged the government to bolster security following a bomb explosion that claimed the lives of two children and left others injured last Monday.
The explosion occurred at an Islamiya school, where children were playing with an unidentified object that later detonated.
The incident has heightened fears in the community, which suspects the blast may have been a terrorist attack.
Eyewitness Usman Yahaya recounted how the Almajiris first settled in Kuchibuyi four years ago, fleeing insecurity in Katsina State. A school was later built for the Almajiris, serving as both a learning center and residence. However, residents became concerned last year when an unfamiliar teacher tried to take over the school, and a trusted teacher suddenly left, returning with new students under 15 years old.
Community members believe the explosion may have involved an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) made from local materials like fertilizer.
Kuchibuyi’s District Head, Isiyaka Dauda, expressed grief and frustration, linking the tragedy to rising insecurity since the arrival of the Almajiris. He appealed for a police station to address criminal activities and announced plans to relocate the Almajiris.
The Emir of Bwari, Awal Musa Ijakoro, and FCT police officials visited the scene, assuring the community of improved security measures to prevent further incidents.