A bomb has exploded in an army barracks in Abuja,
Nigeria's capital city killing and injuring many including women and
children. The bomb is reported to have gone off at
PHOTO:GOC, 3 DIV, Nigerian Army , Jos, Sunday Idoko (L) with the Chief of Army staff ,Onyeabo Ihejirika, during his tour of the 3 DIV, Nigerian Army in Jos. Photo: NAN
around
7.00pm in the
area of the barracks locally known as mammy market.
The area was full of women, children and men relaxing ahead of New Year celebrations. The bomb is reported to have exploded specifically in the area where many gather to eat freshly roasted fish . It is not
clear just how many have died but eye witnesses speak of seeing bodies
.
The injured have been taken to a medical centre within the the
barracks. The barracks, popularly known as Sani Abacha barracks and
which is situated along the Keffi - Abuja express way close to the
Highbrow Asokoro area of Abuja; has been cordoned off. Reports also say
that building housing police headquarters in Abuja has been sealed but
it is not clear if this is related to the bombing.
Former Nigerian vice - president, Atiku Abubakar, a presidential aspirant under the People's Democratic Party has denounced the bombings and described them as '' senseless and wicked''. In a statement issued a
few minutes ago, Mr Abubakar said he sympathises with innocent
military and civilian victims caught in the bombing incident..
The former vice- president went on to say that the latest bomb targeted at a military establishment is an indication that '' President Jonathan cannot provide the type of leadership to secure the nation.''
Abacha barrack
At the bomb blast site, Journalists were prevented from going to the site.
Hospital
at the matiama the Dr. Olugbenga Bello confirmed 16 persons brought to the hospital. at press time 4 dead, 3 persons in operation room.
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Our checks reveals that the explosions at Mogadishu Cantonment occurred at the pepper
soup and drinking joints at the Mammy market in the military base.
It was learnt that the market was jampacked by many people who came to relax ahead of the New Year celebration.
The casualty figure was put at about 30 as at press time.
But no fewer than 100 people were injured at the usual busy market.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Marshall Oluseyi Petirin, who confirmed the explosions , said: "We will get at those behind it."
Also, President Goodluck Jonathan has condemned the attack, and urged the commands of the nation's security services to rise to the occasion and arrest this new and dangerous challenge to our peace and stability.
Hear him:
“Tonight, evil people determined to turn the joys of fellow Nigerians to ashes detonated a bomb at a barracks market in the Federal Capital City”.
“Basking in their nefarious success in Jos on Christmas eve, they have once again knifed at the heartstrings of a nation decked out in gaiety, celebrating new year's eve. This is extreme evil. It is wicked. It defies all that we believe in, and stand for as a nation”.
“The president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, condemns this attack, and commands the nation's security services to rise to the occasion and arrest this new and dangerous challenge to our peace and stability”.
“There shall be no sacred cows. All, no matter how remotely connected to these incidents, must be brought to justice”.
“They must be made to pay. No one, and we
repeat, no one, can make this nation ungovernable”.
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