There is palpable tension in Afaraukwu, Umuahia North Local Government Area Of Abia State as suspected explosive devices were found at the Union Primary School.
The State Commissioner for Information, Mr. John Okiyi Kalu while confirming the discovery on Thursday disclosed that an initial investigation has revealed that the suspected devices showed evidence of corrosion, leading to suspicion of materials that were used during the civil war of 1967 to 1970.
Kalu also disclosed that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has ordered the temporarily closure of the school, in a bid to allow security agencies investigate the source and nature of the suspected explosive devices.
The Commissioner stated this in a statement issued in Umuahia on Thursday.
The commissioner also confirmed that no casualty was recorded neither was any property destroyed.
He assured that the State Government is working with the Police Anti-bomb squad and other security agencies to ensure that the vicinity of the school is safe for pupils, staff and residents of the area.
Kalu further urged the residents of the affected area to be vigilant and report any suspicious situations to security agencies.
The statement explained that “initial examination of the devices shows evidence of corrosion leading to suspicion of the materials being relics of the civil war era.
“We are awaiting definite official report from the Explosives Ordnance Disposal squad of the Nigeria Police, who are currently investigating the incident.
“Meanwhile, necessary measures have been taken to protect the pupils and staff of the school with security sweeps ongoing while the school is temporarily closed.
“Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has directed security agencies to embark on proactive checks in other vulnerable locations out of abundance of caution.”
This is coming after Ikpeazu had imposed a curfew on Ava, Umuahia and other communities in the state, following recent attack on the Police facilities in Imo State.
The curfew was a precautionary measure, as the Abia State shares boundary with Imo State, where the attacked happened.
Recall that suspected hoodlums had attacked the Police and Correctional Service Headquarters in Imo State on Monday, freeing up no fewer than 1,800 inmates.
