There was still no clear figure yesterday of the dead in Monday’s multiple explolsions in Kano.
The army and the police said 12 people died, but the Igbo community claimed that the bombings killed 45.
The explosions tore through Sabon Gari, an area occupied mainly by non-indigenes.
No fewer than 24 died, according to an hospital official.
Kano is the North’s biggest and main commercial city, where Boko Haram had struck in the past.
No group has claimed responsibility for the explosions, which bear all the imprimatur of the notorious Islamist sect.
At least four explosions were heard around outdoor bars in Sabon Gari, causing panic and sending clouds of smoke and dust into the air, according to residents.
A Pentecostal church was also burnt down where many people died.
The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Kano, Chief Michael Tobias Idika, who put the death toll at 45, said in a statement:
“On Monday, July 29, between 9 and 9:30 pm, terrorists invaded Sabon Gari, an enclave carved out for non-natives, and planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), which exploded almost simultaneously at Enugu/Igbo Road, near International Hotel; and on New Road, directly opposite the popular Ado Bayero Square—precisely at No. 38, 39, 40 and 41.
“At 41 New Road, the Christ Salvation Pentecostal Church was also bombed at the peak of evening worship. Ohanaeze’s account can confirm 39 deaths in New Road and six in Igbo/Enugu Road; and also unspecified number of people got injured.
“The team of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Kano State chapter, arrived at the scenes at about 9:30 p.m. and witnessed the movement of bodies and the wounded by security agencies, especially the Army.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo, however, can recall that this is not the first time terrorists have invaded Sabon Gari, particularly, New Road. In fact, on that same spot where the latest incident happened, several attempts have been made to terrorise Nigerian citizens. As a reputable organisation, we call for adequate security of lives and property in northern Nigeria.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo also commends the spirited efforts of the Assistant Inspector General of Police David Omojola in-charge of Zone 1, who was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Musa Daura, to the scene of the incident for on-the-spot assessment.
However, without fear of contradiction, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano registers its deep feelings over the unprovoked attacks on Sabon Gari, Kano, dominated by Ndigbo.
“At this point, Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls on President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan to make haste and protect the lives of citizens resident in the northern part of the country, particularly, in Kano, with undisputed status of boosting economy and politics in Nigeria.
“To all the departed souls and the wounded in this grievous attack, we register our deep sympathy and only hope that those in authorities, including all security agencies, would brace and take decisive action to end this carnage – man’s inhumanity to man.”
Another community Leader Prince Ajayi Memaiyetan, said: “What happened is that for the past two months, we in Kano have been enjoying peace of the graveyard.
“We are waiting for security agencies to give us details on what really happened. I was at Festing Road when I heard the first blast and I had to manoeuvre like other residents to run for dear life. The truth is that the security is not as effective as before because of the lull in attacks.”
Residents of Sabon Gari were going about their activities in silent anger, anguish and apprehension yesterday.
The military, which has been battling the insurgents across the North, especially in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states that are under a state of emergency, said packages that caused the explosions were left in the area.
“We have at the moment 24 bodies in our morgue and three patients in our emergency ward from the explosions in Sabon Gari last night,” said Aminu Inuwa, spokesman for the Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital in Kano, who was quoted by French News Agency (AFP)
“The dead had shrapnel wounds on them,” he added.
Residents described the area as being littered with the personal belongings of those who ran in fear once the explosions began.
Kano police, in a statement by its spokesman Magaji Majia, an ASP, said: “Multiple explosions at Enugu/Igbo Road and New Road at about 2100 hours, the incident occurred at a Tavern known as Mary Cool and Zuma Cool Spot, respectively.
“As a result, 12 died on the spot, 12 injured, 19 vehicles parked at the scenes damaged. Bodies and the injured were to Government Hospitals in the state. We are still monitoring events as investigations remain in progress.”
Authorities of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army in Kano, also confirmed 12 dead in the multiple attacks.
Captain Ikedichi Iweaha, spokesman of the Brigade, in a statement, said: “At about 2105 hours 29 July 13 (five minutes after nine pm), sounds of simultaneous explosions were triggered by persons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram terrorist group between numbers 38 – 41 New Road and Igbo Road by Enugu Road, all in Sabon Gari area of Fagge Local Government Council of Kano State.
“Twelve persons were confirmed to have died from both incidents while a couple of others who sustained various degrees of injuries were rushed to hospitals for medical attention.
“This latest incident could have been avoided if citizens maintain vigilance to observe when packages are dropped as it was in this case contrary to reports circulating in some section of the media of the attack being one by suicide bombers.
“You may recollect that the JTF had urged residents of Kano metropolis to keep an eye on their environment as members of the terrorist sect had planned to drop packages in bags or cartons in areas with high human traffic.
“While the JTF and other security agencies will not rest on their oars to rid the state of all terrorist elements, the general public is enjoined to report promptly, all unattended packages or suspicious persons to the closest security agency for immediate action.
“The JTF and other security agencies will continue to count on the support and cooperation of the people of Kano to achieve an atmosphere of peace conducive for business.”
The Ogun State Police Command arrested 45 year old Toyin Sodimu for allegedly raping his 16 year old daughter in Temidire community of Oke Apo, Akomoje, Abeokuta. The state PRO, Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement that the teenager reported the incident to the Adatan Police Division after her father raped her about 2am last Saturday.