Two bombs were discovered and defused on Thursday at a rally attended by thousands in support of the main challenger in Nigeria’s upcoming presidential election, his campaign said.
Supporters of ex-military ruler Muhammadu Buhari attending a rally in his home state of Katsina spotted two laptop bags abandoned in different spots, said Buhari spokesman Yinka Odumakin.
Police were notified and the bags were found to contain remote-controlled bombs, he said. Buhari had not yet arrived at the rally when the bombs were discovered.
“A police bomb squad was brought in and they succeeded in defusing the two bombs,” Odumakin said. “We don’t know who is behind it.”
Witnesses at the rally gave similar accounts by phone.
The rally went ahead without any incident, Odumakin said, adding that no one was arrested. Police in Katsina were not available for comment.
Nigeria has seen several bomb attacks in recent months. Legislative polls are set for Saturday, while the presidential vote is April 9 and state governorship ballots will be held April 16.
Buhari is seen as the main challenger to President Goodluck Jonathan.
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