The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) said on Tuesday there was no explosion at the Hajj /Cargo axis of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.
FAAN said the anxiety and palpable fear created around the terminal in the early hours of Tuesday was caused by an unattended bag, which was blown up by the Police Bomb Disposal Unit, when nobody claimed ownership of the bag.
In a statement, the Acting General Manager, Public Affairs at FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu, advised passengers to keep their belongings close to them when undergoing profiling and check in procedures at the airport.
Yakubu said: “The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to refute rumoured bomb scare at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, today, Tuesday, August 8, 2017.
“At about 9:30 a.m., an unattended bag was noticed at the Hajj and Cargo terminal, after the departure of the fourth flight for the intending pilgrims.”
She said the Chief Security Officer of FAAN at 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.
Yakubu added: “No one claimed ownership of the bag, so the decision to blow up the bag using an explosive device was made, which in turn caused some panic amongst the second batch of intending pilgrims waiting.
“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.
“Passengers are advised to be cautious of their belongings, and ensure that all properties are securely kept.
“The Authority would like to assure the general public that there was no bomb and the Hajj and Cargo Terminal is safe, secure for flight operations.”
