WorldStage Newsonline-- Security agencies have been placed on red alert throughout the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) following the explosion that occurred in Nyanya bus/stop on Monday morning, according to the Police Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba. Mba said that about 16 Luxury coaches and 24 minibuses were affected by the deadly blast.
About 71 people were believed to have been killed and 124 injured in the blast that occurred at the highly populated motor park in Nyanya, about 16km from the Abuja city centre. The death told is likely to increase as some bodies are completely dispersed and some fatally injured could die.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said the explosion occurred at 6:30 a.m.
President Goodluck Jonathan who visited the scene of the blast with the Senate President, David Mark and Chairman of PDP, Adamu Muazu urged Nigerians to be more observant of the activities around them.
He said, “We have lost quite a number. We condole with our country men and women. The issue of Boko Haram is quite an ugly history within this period of our own development. Government is doing everything to make sure that we move our country forward. But these are the unnecessary distractions that are pushing us backward. But we will get over it.
The President who cancelled a scheduled trip to Ibadan, Oyo State because of the incident added that, “The issue of Boko Haram is temporary. Surely, we will get over it.”
Police Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, who accompanied the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, on a visit to the scene, said emergency workers were collating the casualty figure.
He said 16 high-capacity buses, some cars and motorcycles were affected in the explosion and investigation had begun.
He confirmed that the FCT police were already on red alert while “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.”
He appealed for calm, cooperation and patience, describing the incident as sad.
He said, “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.”
But... Boko Haram has promised to carry these attacks with more to come. Why people are still waiting for the terrorist group to claim this particular attack is daunting.
But... Boko Haram has promised to carry these attacks with more to come. Why people are still waiting for the terrorist group to claim this particular attack is daunting.
