Ogenyi Onazi says he
feels fortunate to be alive after he narrowly avoided last week’s bombings in
the city of Jos.
The blasts at a
crowded bus terminal and market killed at least 118 people.
Onazi, 21, who was
born in Jos, had just left the popular Jos Main Market last Tuesday, when the
first blast rocked the area.
The midfielder, who
plays for Italian Serie A side Lazio, said: “I am very, very lucky, just by the
grace of God.”
Onazi is now with the
Super Eagles squad in London as they prepare for today’s friendly against
Scotland and he says he has been struggling to erase the memories of that dark
day.
Recounting his lucky
escape, he told BBC Sport: “It was just like an ordinary day. Happy faces and
friendly warmth that makes you feel happy to be back home.
“We had gone to the
railway market to get something. I think it was 15 minutes later when we heard
the loud blast from the place. And suddenly, people were just running.
“There was chaos and
pandemonium. There was smoke, I was confused, lost and just wondered what had
happened. I had no idea what was going on and it was scary.
“All my life I have
never heard a bang or boom like that.”
The second blast
killed some of the rescue workers who had rushed to the scene, which was
obscured by billows of black smoke.
A week later, far away
from the city where his parents are based and preparing for his first World Cup
with the Super Eagles, Onazi insists the unrest back home has made it difficult
to focus on football.
“Some will say I
should be happy to be alive but I just feel concerned about the security
challenges in Jos and Nigeria as a country,” he said.
“I was born and bred
in a peaceful Jos. I may be fortunate enough to live outside the place right
now, but I still have my family and friends who live in the city.
“I always get worried
when there are reports of terrible incidents there on a regular basis. It’s sad
and depressing to live with this.
“Personally, I think
there is a need for a holistic approach to solving this problem once and for
all.
“Innocent people are
dying and the government seriously needs to step up security across the
country.”
Another blast happened
in Jos days after that incident, in an explosion that targeted football fans
watching the European Champions League final, the authorities said.
At least three people
died and three others were injured in the blast, according to Chris Olakpe, the
commissioner of police for Plateau state.
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