The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has refuted a rumoured bomb scare at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport.
In a statement, the spokesperson for FAAN, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, said a bag was blown up by the police bomb disposal unit this morning when no one claimed ownership, which may have caused some panic among the second batch of Muslim pilgrims waiting to be airlifted.
“The Chief Security Officer of the Federal Airports Authority, Hajj and Cargo Terminal as well as the Bomb Disposal Unit were contacted and began the process of finding out the owner and the content of the bag”.
“No one claimed ownership of the bag, so which in turn caused some panic amongst the second batch of intending pilgrims waiting”.
She said the unattended bag was noticed at the Hajj and Cargo terminal, after the departure of the 4th flight for the intending pilgrims and when on one claimed ownership the decision to blow up the bag using an explosive device was made.
After detonation, it was discovered that the bag contained some copies of an Islamic guide; meant for pilgrims to guide them with regards to their journey.
The airport Authority, therefore urged Passengers to be cautious of their belongings, and ensure that all properties are securely kept, assuring the general public that there was no Bomb and the Hajj and Cargo Terminal is safe, secure for flight operations.
