Abuja Bomb Blasts

Nigerian Police made an official statement on the explosion that ripped through a busy bus station in Nigeria's capital city of Abuja early Monday morning.
According to Police spokesman Frank Mba, the bomb blast killed at least 71 people and wounded 124.

CSP Mba also added that Monday's blast destroyed 16 luxury coaches and 24 minibuses.

It was gathered from the police statement that security agencies have been placed on red alert throughout the Federal Capital Territory following the explosion.

The Police Force spokesman told newsmen in Abuja that the blast occurred at about 6.55 a.m.

“The FCT police are already on red alert; security in and around Abuja is being strengthened; we are paying very close attention to all vulnerable points.

“We are also paying close attention to motor parks. We advise the public to avoid unnecessary huge crowd. We are also paying close attention to government buildings.

“We want to appeal for calm, cooperation and patience,’’ he said, describing the incident as sad.

He said investigation had begun.

“Experts from the Bomb Disposal Squad are on ground, the police are working with other security agencies.

“At this stage, we may not be able to give the casualty figure; the reasons are obvious; a lot of people are in the hospital; our detectives are visiting hospitals and taking count.

“We want to give you figures that we can back up with facts,’’ he said.

A survivor, Prince Igwe, however, said a vehicle was driven into the park and parked in front of the already loaded high capacity buses.

“The driver hurriedly parked and disappeared shortly after the explosion went off. I was inside one of the buses; I struggled to come out.

“Many people died,’’ he said.

The car was burnt beyond recognition but its chassis number could still be located on the engine.

A newsman, who got to the scene shortly after the blast, said he counted about 70 corpses at the scene.

The huge explosion left a big crater at the scene of the blast.

Those affected were said to be passengers, mostly workers leaving the park to the city centre, petty traders and vehicles conveying passengers to other locations within and outside the FCT.

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Abubakar; Commander, Guards Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje and top security personnel visited the scene.

No group has claimed responsibility for the tragic incident yet but a lot of people are already pointing fingers to the Islamic terrorists sect, Boko Haram

The insurgents, based in northeast Nigeria, carried out a 2011 suicide car bombing at the United Nations office building in Abuja that killed at least 21 people and wounded 60.