Two separate committees set up by the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Azubuike Ihejirika, to probe the November 25 twin bomb blasts that rocked the St. Andrew’s Protestant Military Church in Jaji, have submitted their reports.
The reports which have cropped up shocking revelations shows that no fewer than 21 persons, including an Air Commodore, were killed in the attack.
In addition, at least 30 others were injured, some of which are still in a critical condition.
The findings confirmed that some soldiers in one way or the other, had a pre-knowledge of the now successful suicide attack on the facility.
At present, over a dozen indicted soldiers are being detained and will face court martial.
Already, a number of military officers have been transferred to other barracks in the aftermath of the event.
The suicide bombers on the fateful day reportedly used two cars, a Volkswagen Golf 3 and a Toyota Camry for the mission.
But both panels say, the bombers were in fact allowed easy access to church premises. The members of the inquiry panel believe that the explosives which went off just as the service was closing was strategically planned, so as to ensure maximum casualties.
Sources stated that mostly affected by the explosion, were soldiers and their families who were coming out of the church service.
For instance, the official residence of the late Commodore, was only a few meters from the church. He was said to have rushed out to find out what was happening after the first explosion. However as he walked close to the building, there was another blast, this time emanating from a Camry car.
After being badly hit, he was immediately rushed to 44 Reference Hospital in Kaduna, and later flown to India, where he died last week.
The embarrassment the incident caused the country led to the removal of the Commandant, Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Air Vice Marshal Abdullahi Kure, and the Commandant, Infantry Centre Corps, Major-General M. D. Isah. They were immediately replaced by Air Vice Marshal Ossin and Major-General Kingsley Osuji.
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