Bombers of Bauchi brothel dressed in Army uniforms, one arrested
By Suleiman Bello with agency reports
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Malam Lawal Shehu, said on Saturday that one suspect has been arrested in connection with Friday’s attack on an hotel in Bauchi metropolis of Bauchi State.
Briefing newsmen, Malam Shehu said that the suspect was being interrogated and efforts intensified to apprehend his accomplices that fled.
The commissioner said that the number casualties recorded in the attack had risen to 11 and the injured figure is now 28.
He urged members of the public to be security conscious and observe happenings within their immediate environment.
“The general public should pay special attention to persons and objects, particularly at motor parks, market places, schools, places of worships, shopping malls, eateries and hotels.
“They should report any suspicious persons or objects within their neighbourhood, to the nearest police station for prompt response, using these numbers: 08151849417 and 07013490795.” He said
Meanwhile the Bauchi State Branch of the Nigerian Red Cross has condemned the attack, describing it as “barbaric and inhuman”.
The state’s Secretary, Malam Mohammed Bashir, told the News Agency of Nigeria, that they received a call around 9.50pm on Friday night, about the attack.
Bashir said: “Immediately I received the call, I and my men rushed to the scene to provide First Aid treatment to the victims.
“Afterwards, we, along with the State Emergency Management Agency, police, military and the SSS personnel, evacuated them to the hospital.
“We still carried out search and rescue operation at the scene this morning (Saturday) to ensure that every injured person was evacuated. “It was a terrible experience.”
An eyewitness, Malam Ahmed Maidoki told NAN that five persons in military uniform carried out the attack by detonating explosives and shooting at random.
Maidoki said: “We were just sitting down, watching highlights of the ongoing FIFA World Cup at the viewing centre located in between the two story building of the hotel when five men dressed in military uniform strolled in.
“We thought they were security personnel, who came to relax as well.
“I noticed they all positioned themselves at the four corners of the hall.
“The next thing I heard was an explosion, after which the arena was covered with thick smoke.
“Shivering, my friends and I sprawled on the ground.
“We were trying to get out when the five men started shooting sporadically at any one who tried to stand up and in the process, killing many of the survivors of the blast.”
Another eyewitness, Usman Hassan, said he was just about to enter the hotel when the blast occurred and immediately ran away from the scene.
Hassan said: “As soon as I was a bit far from the scene, I heard gunshots.
“Few minutes later, a white Toyota Hillux vehicle zoomed out of the hotel on high speed, with men wearing army uniforms.”
