Abandoned Bag at US Embassy in Lagos Causes Panic

Chiemelie Ezeobi

A mystery bag allegedly abandoned in a vehicle at the premises of the United States Embassy in Lagos yesterday caused panic among visa seekers as well as visitors.

News of an abandoned bag soon went viral after the bag was discovered by one of the security men attached to embassy, thus fueling rumors of a bomb scare.

Visitors and visa seekers as well as staff of the embassy took to their heels to avoid being caught up in the event of an explosion.

The unfortunate incident caused pandemonium at the Walter Carrington Way, Victoria Island, as drivers made frantic turn when they heard the rumours.

No sooner had the news gone viral than a combined team of anti-riot policemen and bomb disposal unit of the Force and mobile policemen were drafted to the area.

The policemen condoned off the entire area while detectives from the anti-bomb unit went in to ascertain the nature of the suspected bomb.

Minutes later, the police team, along with some officials of the embassy left.

Addressing crime correspondents on the alleged bomb scare, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, dismissed it with the wave of the hand.

Owoseni insisted that there was no bomb planted at the American Embassy in the state.

He disclosed that the suspected bag kept in one of the vehicles at the Consular General’s office at Victoria Island only contained medical equipment.

“We got a call at about 7.40a.m. yesterday concerning a strange bag. I immediately dispatched the anti-bomb team, marine police and anti-terrorist personnel to the scene.

“The anti-bomb team professionally removeed the bag from the vehicle. After scanning the bag, they discovered that all items inside were medical tools.

“We are, however, investigating the reason why the bag was left there and who the owner is. We don’t want to leave anything to chance.

“We want to also allay the people’s fear in Lagos and the diplomatic communities that there is no cause for alarm. There is no bomb planted at the America Embassy in Lagos.

“The police in Lagos assure foreigners and citizens of their safety. We are ever ready to live up to our constitutional responsibilities.

“Since the bag was removed from the embassy, normal activities have resumed,” Owoseni said.

The commisioner displayed the contents of the bag before journalists and it included bandages, scissors, plaster among others.