Panic In Sokoto Airport Over Bomb Drill

Panic arouse at the  Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto over the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) mock exercise on bomb treat among passengers and residents
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The exercise according to the FAAN was necessary to awake the consciousness of all security agencies securing the airport, especially the police on how best they are prepared in case of such treat within the vicinity.

One source said that the security personnel had hidden a cylinder fire-extinguisher in a black lyon with electrical wire attached to it, before alerting the passengers of a possible bomb threat.

One staff who refused to identify himself said that the strange item was disposed at the terminal building near the VIP seats as early as 6am before other airport users began to arrive for duty.

The action was not appreciated by fellow staffs and passengers who scampered for safety.

Then a team of anti-bomb squad arrived from the State Police Command but were said to have been dissapointed that all was for a mere exercise.

State commissioner of police, Alhaji Salisu Abdullahi told newsmen: “I think the organisers have observed some of the lapses on their part, especially in the area of communication because causing unnecessary panic among residents at this period is not a welcome idea.

He also said that:“we will continued to live up to our statutory responsibility which is to safeguard lives and property.”

Meanwhile, the Sokoto airport manager, Alhaji Abubakar Lawal, begged the public to calm down, saying that this exercise was a first for the airport and was glad the way and manner security agencies showed concern and support.

“I want to let the public know that this is just an empty can that we put inside a bag and kept it at the terminal building.
“It is just a mock exercise and we are doing this in good faith to test the preparedness of the airport security and security agencies in the state to respond to this in case it occurs,”he said.

Northern Nigeria has been on the edge since Boko Haram began bomb attacks on public institutions all over the North since 2009.