The State Security Service (SSS) on Thursday pleaded with journalists in the country not to be intimidate by the recent wave of attacks targeted at them and their organisations.?
This is contained in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by Ms Marilyn Ogar, the Deputy Director in charge of the organisation’s Public Relations department.
Ogar urged journalists to continue to be patriotic in the reportage of issues affecting the collective interest of Nigerians.?
Ogar, who was reacting to the bomb blasts at THISDAY offices in Abuja and Kaduna, said that one of the bombers in Kaduna, Umaru Mustapha, had been arrested.
She said Mustapha threw explosives into a plaza in the Kaduna incident, killing two persons and wounding nine others.?
Ogar said that Mustapha, an indigene of Maiduguri, Borno, was apprehended by members of the public as he tried to escape and hand over to security agents.?
She said the incident occurred in the premises of SOJ Global Communication and Investment Ltd Plaza, R9 Kontagora road, Ahmadu Bello Way, Kaduna.
The deputy director said the plaza houses the offices of The Sun, THISDAY and Moment Newspapers.?
“At 1100 hours, two persons in a cream colour Honda Accord (Academy) car with registration No. AL 306 MKA, drove into the Plaza.?
“Mustapha alighted from the car with a container of Improvised Explosive Device (IED).’’
Ogar said the suspect was immediately challenged by two gallant Nigerians “following which he threw the bomb at them and it denoted, killing them instantly’’.
“Subsequently, Mustapha pulled out a pistol and fired several shots into the air in an attempt to escape.?
“He was, however, caught and subdued by brave members of the public who refused to be intimidated and handed him over to security forces.
She confirmed that three persons, including the suicide bomber died in the attack on THISDAY office in Abuja.
“On April 26, at about 11 a.m., a dark green Isuzu Jeep wired with bombs, forced its way into the premises of THISDAY Newspaper, at Jabi, Abuja. It detonated and killed the suicide bomber.''
Ogar condoled with the families of the victims of the blasts and urged Nigerians to rise to the challenge of bringing terrorism to an end.?