by Oge Okonkwo

Kurudu, a community on the outskirts of Abuja experienced pandemonium today as a loud explosion was heard by residents.

Many assumed it may have been caused by a bomb or dynamites used in blasting rocks in the area.

Residents in Kurudu and adjoining areas scampered for safety as they feared the wors.

According to a resident of an Army Estate in Kurudu, soldiers simply locked the gate and prevented anyone from going out upon hearing the loud explosion.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Nigerian Army, Olajide Olaleye, explained to newsmen that the explosion was a “controlled blast.”

Olaleye said a rock was blasted with dynamites to free the road and allow for construction to take place.

Mr. Olaleye, a Brigadier General, said a rock had been blocking a new road being constructed from Karishi to Apo, in the Abuja city centre.

“The situation is under control,” the spokesperson said, advising residents to be calm.

Some of the residents were still held up in their homes at 9:50 a.m. amidst fear that the explosion was caused by a bomb.

Kurudu is a few kilometres from Nyanya, where bomb explosions about a month ago killed about 100 people.