Heavy gunfire was reported around the vicinity of the Presidential Villa and the headquarters of the Department of State Services in the Asokoro District of Abuja on Sunday morning, March 30, 2014.
ALSO ON THE TRENT: Heavy Shooting Going On Around Presidential Villa, SSS Headquarters In Abuja – Report
The gunfire emanated from the SSS headquarters, popularly known as Yellow House, which is adjacent to one of the remote gates of the Presidential Villa.
The presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati has confirmed that no attacks was made at the Presidential Villa.
What happened at the SSS HQs has nothing to do with the Villa. President Jonathan is safe & well. Thank you for your concern & support.
— Reuben Abati (@abati1990) March 30, 2014
The spokesperson of the SSS, Marilyn Ogar said the shooting was about an attempted jailbreak at the Service’s headquarters by suspected members of Boko Haram sect.
Ogar said, “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.
What happened at the SSS HQ this morning was an attempted jailbreak which has been effectively foiled. There is no cause for alarm.
— Reuben Abati (@abati1990) March 30, 2014
An eyewitness, who tweets with @ciaxon shared photos from the scene and reported a suspect shot and arrested.
https://twitter.com/ciaxon/status/450203549298098176
See more photos from the gun battle:
https://twitter.com/ciaxon/status/450184058635841536
https://twitter.com/ciaxon/status/450182492121989120
https://twitter.com/ciaxon/status/450181610965852160
https://twitter.com/ciaxon/status/450178086085353472
https://twitter.com/ciaxon/status/450200643945660417
