Bus exploded yesterday in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, killing one person, Edet Akpan, and injuring another.
The 18-seat Toyota Hiace bus, painted in the state’s official blue and white colour, was destroyed.
The explosion occurred at 10 am at the Rumuokoro Roundabout on the East-West Road in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Two suspects allegedly behind the explosion escaped before the bus exploded.
The bus’number plates, according to witnesses, were removed by policemen.
Residents, who came from Rukpokwu, about 10 kilometres from the scene, said they heard the “loud noise” in their community.
The area was condoned off by security operatives.
This caused a heavy traffic jam.
Businesses were closed with people trooping to the area to catch a glimpse of the vehicle.
It was learnt that the bus, fully-loaded with passengers, developed a mechnical fault near Rumuokoro Roundabout, prompting passengers to disembark.
The driver and his conductor pleaded with some passers-by to assist them in pushing the bus towards Rumuodara.
Akpan was at the back and the other victim by the side of the bus.
Eyewitnesses said as the bus was being pushed, the driver and his conductor disappeared, with the explosion occurring almost immediately.
It was learnt that Akpan reportedly called for help but passersby were scared of moving close to the bus, which went up in flames immediately.
Commissioner of Police Mohammed Indabawa said: “You can see four nozzles of rifles at the scene. I do not know where the occupants of the bus were going to or coming from. A comprehensive report will indicate.
“It is not a terrorist attack. Not a bomb. Otherwise, all the nearby buildings would have been affected. Maybe there are other things, like dynamite, in the vehicle.
“They may be robbers going for an operation and something went wrong.
“People should be vigilant and report suspicious characters to the police.
“Immediately bomb disposal men are through, the cordon will be removed.”
Governor Rotimi Amaechi later visited the scene.
The state chapter of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) condemned the “devastating” explosion, calling for a full investigation.
Its Publicity Secretary, Jerry Needam, described the “ugly” incident as “unfortunate and condemnable” .
The opposition party said: “By this action, nobody is safe, despite huge sums of money voted for security.
“The issue is not whether the explosive was a dynamite in the hands of robbers or a bomb but the ability of the hoodlums to beat all security networks around major checkpoints in Port Harcourt.”
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