Encomium
Fear of Boko Haram is the beginning of security in Lagos. Following the bomb explosion in Apapa, on June 25, 2014, that killed four people and leaving several injured and coupled with the reports that the unfortunate incident was the handiwork of the dreaded sect, Lagos churches have beefed up security.
Information available to ENCOMIUM Weekly revealed that most mega churches over the week held several high powered security meetings. According to our source, most of the popular churches have put in place tighter security arrangements.
“Please, switch off your phones. God doesn’t need any mobile network to communicate with you. These were the words of one of the mobile policemen standing at the entrance of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles (MFM) Prayer City during a regular church service recently. The heavy presence of security personnel and sometimes, bomb specialists with thorough body searches has become the trend in most churches following the attacks on religious centres by members of the Boko Haram sect. Many places of worship have become very security-conscious by banning the use of mobile devices, the use of handbags and so on, within the sanctuary.
We gathered that at Christ Embassy headquarters, the ministry is now more security conscious as worshippers and visitors are searched thoroughly and extra Complete Circuit Television (CCTV) mounted at strategic places to monitor people within and outside the church premises.
At Daystar Church, the multibillion naira place of worship has been well secured with CCTV, bomb detectors and security personnel who frisk visitors before they could have access to the church premises.
We reliably gathered that Paul Adefarasin’s church, House on the Rock, has also left no stone unturned in ensuring security of lives and properties within and outside the church auditorium. “Since the issue of bomb blast and several reports that the dreaded sect has crept into Lagos, the church has become extra careful and is not taking any chances. Consequently, several security measures have been put in place which we can’t disclose for security reasons. However, there is adequate security here.”
At least four persons were confirmed dead when two explosions suspected to have emanated from a Improvised Explosive Device (IED) went off near the Folawiyo Energy Depot along Creek Road, Apapa, Lagos on Wednesday, June 25, 2014.
Unconfirmed reports quoting witnesses at the scene of the explosion said the blast occurred after some persons suspected to be bombers set off the twin explosions.
Although they were conflicting reports as to what exactly set off the explosion, the police from Area B who arrived scene minutes later, were seen trying to cordon off the gate of the depot.
The fire from the first explosion was controlled by workers at the Folawiyo Energy Depot, who opened up the company’s functional fire hydrant to put off the fire before it could spread.
However, as they battled the flames, the second explosion went off at Alex Junction, killing four persons and destroying several vehicles.
Among the cars allegedly destroyed was a Toyota in which the explosives were allegedly planted.
Witnesses alleged that the explosion occurred after a lady dressed in hijab allegedly sneaked into the compound with a fuel tanker and set off the explosion.
She was alleged to have also planted the explosive in another standby car which set off the second explosion and killed three people.
According to an eyewitness who simply identified himself as Femi, the twin explosion happened few minutes after each other, thereby causing confusion as to which scene to attend to first.
He said, “I had closed for the day and was waiting for bus at the Alex Junction, when suddenly there was this earthquake. The ground literally shook and debris was flying up and down.
“We saw a lady dressed in hijab flee and entered a car that was parked strategically at Alex Junction. Minutes after the first explosion occurred, the second one happened at that same junction I was standing by.”
However in a report, the Apapa Divisional Police Officer, Usman Ndanbabo, who confirmed that there was an explosion said it was no bomb blast, rather a gas explosion.
He said, “The incident happened at Folawiyo Energy Depot at Creek Road. A tanker exploded but it is under control. I have my men there and we have cordoned everywhere and the fire is being put out.
“There was no bomb blast. There was no woman wearing hijab. It was far from that one. Boko Haram will not enter Lagos.”
Debunking claims that it was a bomb blast, the Public Relations Officer, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr. Ibrahim Farinloye, said the explosion was caused by gas cylinders.
However, on Sunday, July 13, 2014, the dreaded sect, in a video released claimed responsibility for the Lagos explosion.
– FEMI OYEWALE AND OYINKANSOLA EKERIN
