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.