FAAN bombs bag of books at Lagos airport

An abandoned bag at the Hajj and Cargo Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos caused panic on Tuesday, August 8, 2017, as a bomb unit was called in to contain the apparent threat.

After arriving on the scene, the Bomb Control Unit of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) made the decision to blow up the unidentified content of the bag with an explosive device.

The explosion revealed that the bag only contained copies of an Islamic guide meant for pilgrims on their journey to Saudi Arabia.

While addressing the issue later on Tuesday, FAAN's General Manager, Corporate Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu, assured the public that there was no cause for alarm.

She explained, "The chief security officer of the Federal Airports Authority, Hajj and Cargo Terminal, as well as the Bomb Disposal Unit, was contacted and (they) began the process of finding out the owner and the content of the bag.

"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 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.

"FAAN would like to assure the general public that there was no bomb and the Hajj and Cargo Terminal is safe and secure for flight operations."

The explosion sent a lot of travelling pilgrims running for safety, before they were reportedly directed to other parts of the terminal.