by ‘Jola Sotubo
Reports coming in have it that the gun battle heard from the environs of the Presidential Villa this morning was as a result of an attempted jail break by prisoners of the State Security Service (SSS).
[READ:Just In: Heavy gunfire heard from Aso Rock on Sunday morning]
The attackers, suspected Boko Haram militants who had been incarcerated at the headquarters of the SSS, were said to have turned on a guard who had brought in a meal.
They turned on him and shot him and then laid siege to the Yellow House leading to a fierce exchange of fire between them and SSS operatives who fought to regain control of their base.
According to reports, the spokesperson of the SSS, Marilyn Ogar has confirmed the incident. She said:
“There was an attempted jail break by our inmates when the suspect handler went to feed them.What happened was that the suspects handlers went to feed the detainees here but suddenly they attacked him with their handcuffs, disarmed him and started shooting.The military was quickly called in before they could do any harm and that is responsible for the shootings you heard. It was an attempted jailbreak but it has been brought under control.”
She did not state what the inmates were being held for but she assured that an official statement would be made as regards the incident.
Presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati also said:
“What happened at the SSS HQ this morning was an attempted jailbreak which has been effectively foiled. There is no cause for alarm”
“What happened at the SSS HQs has nothing to do with the Villa. President Jonathan is safe & well. Thank you for your concern & support.”
Meanwhile some have speculated that the situation might be worse than the SSS operatives are painting it to be.
Hmm, don’t know what to feel. Sadness cos d security situation of the country is in a deplorable state. Or happiness because this time it has to do with the high and mighty not some people in a church or some poor school children or poor farmers in the North. Now they will be forced to do something about the state of security in the country, just like what happened in the airline industry. It’s a Nigerian problem that can and will be solved as long as it involves some wealthy Nigerians. So I am happy.