ABUJA—THE Police have declared that it had made arrest in connection with the bomb blast, while its detectives were currently hunting for two other Nigerians suspected to be the masterminds of the incident.

BEN JESSY and CHIMA ORLU BOMB BLAST SUSPECTS

Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Emmanuel Ojukwu told Vanguard, yesterday, that the masterminds had targetted the commission of mass murder of innocent children, young and old men and women and members of the international community who had gathered to partake in our nation’s glorious moment.

Ojukwu said: “As you are already aware, two cars exploded before noon of 1st October, 2010, while the President, Commander-in-Chief was reviewing a colourful ceremony marking Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

Both explosions occurred near a bridge adjacent to the Millennium Park, within a kilometre, East end of the Eagle Square.

“The ugly incident resulted in the death of 10 persons, while 36 others, including 11 policemen were seriously injured. The blasts completely destroyed six cars, damaged 18 others, and shattered the glasses of a hotel nearby.

“The Nigeria Police deeply regrets the loss of innocent lives and the  harm and damage done to the well being and property of fellow citizens. It is clear that the intention of the perpetrators of the evil act was to truncate Nigeria’s celebration of half a century of her political freedom.

Their motive was to cut short the joy of men and women of  goodwill and to pour shame and contempt on our President and indeed the entire nation, in the very presence of dignitaries and eminent persons from around the world.

“Certainly, these operators of an evil enterprise had targeted to commit mass murder of innocent children, young and old men and women, and members of the international community who had gathered to partake in our nation’s glorious moment. To the glory of God, their act of wickedness was frustrated by the tight security put in place at the Eagle Square.

“Police investigation has commenced in earnest. Forensic experts are already checking about a hundred vehicles trapped in the vicinity of the blasts to ascertain the make, composition and origin of the explosives.

As soon as the forensic examination is over, the vehicles will be released to their owners and the roads re-opened to normal traffic.

“The Nigeria Police regrets the inconveniences caused owners of those trapped vehicles and the users of those roads.

“Also, an arrest has been made by the Police in connection with the incident. Police detectives are currently hunting for another two Nigerian citizens suspected to be the masterminds of the evil plot.”

Ojukwu listed names of the suspects as Chima Orlu, (male), and Ben Jessy (male)
adding that they had already been declared wanted by the Police, and were hereby requested to come forward and clear their names.

He said that any person who sees them or knows their whereabouts should report to the nearest Police Station anywhere in the Federation of Nigeria, or abroad, or call or send SMS to the following telephone numbers:  0803-3225-349, 0806-2700-000 and 0803-8305-707

The police spokesman said the thought and act of  bombing any part of this country amounted to a declaration of  war against Nigeria, adding that it is our collective duty to stop criminals from destroying our fatherland.

He reminded citizens that they were obliged by the constitution to assist law enforcement agencies in the maintenance of law and order, adding that it was indeed a punishable offence to conceal or hide the identity or whereabouts of a wanted person.