There was a bomb scare on Thursday at the American Embassy in Lagos. The State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, however, later calmed frayed nerves, telling newsmen that the suspected bag kept in one of the vehicles at the Consular General Office, Victoria Island, only contained medical equipment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes him as saying: “We got a call at about 7:00 a.m. this morning concerning the strange bag. I immediately dispatched the anti-bomb team, Marine Police and Anti-Terrorist personnel to the scene.

“The anti-bomb team professionally removed the bag from the vehicle. After scanning the bag, they discovered that all items inside were medical tools.

“We are, however, investigating the reason why the bag was left there and who is the owner. We don’t want to leave anything to chance.

“We want to also allay the fears of people in Lagos and the diplomatic communities that there is no cause for alarm. There is no bomb planted at the American Embassy in Lagos.

“The police in Lagos assure foreigners and citizens of their safety. We are ever ready to live up to our constitutional responsibilities.

“Since the bag was removed from the embassy, normal activities have resumed.”

NAN reports that the items in the bag displayed before newsmen by Owoseni, included bandages, scissors and plaster.

The content of the bag was taken to anti-bomb office for further investigation.

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