By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
Tension gripped parts of the Federal Capital Territory on Monday afternoon following a mysterious explosion along the busy Mararaba-Nyanya bypass. The FCT Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that the situation is under control.
The explosion, which occurred at about 2:50pm, caused panic among commuters and residents in the area, a major gateway between Abuja and neighboring Nasarawa State. Emergency responders quickly moved to the scene, rescuing one injured male victim who is currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital.
Spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said operatives of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit were immediately deployed to the site for clearance and forensic analysis. The area was swiftly cordoned off to prevent secondary damage and allow for a proper investigation.
“Our men are on ground and have commenced a thorough forensic analysis to determine the exact cause and nature of the explosion,” she said in a statement. “We urge residents to remain calm and go about their lawful duties. At this point, there is no cause for alarm.”
While details remain sketchy, security officials say all leads are being pursued to establish whether the blast was accidental, criminal, or terror-related.
Reacting to the incident, a commuter, Musa Danlami, who narrowly missed the scene, said, “There was a loud bang, and people just started running. We’ve seen such things before in this area, so everyone got scared immediately.”
Authorities have called on residents to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities or objects to the nearest police station or via the Command’s emergency lines.
The blast has reignited public concern over security around the Nyanya-Mararaba axis, a corridor previously targeted by insurgents in 2014.