Breaking News: Twin Bomb Blasts Hits Abuja Outskirt, 15 Dead, Injured (UPDATED)

Boko Haram militants struck Friday night in Kuje and Nyanya parts of the Federal Capital Territory leaving many dead and some people injured.

The death toll was put at about 20 but the military, security agencies and the National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA) were mopping up last night.
Although NEMA confirmed that the explosions resulted in a number of deaths and injuries, it was silent on the toll.

Armed soldiers have been drafted to the affected parts to curtail the insurgents.
There was suspicion that the attacks were carried out in anger by the insurgents because some of their key commanders are being detained in Kuje Prison.

According to eye witness account, the insurgents launched simultaneous attacks on the Police Station and the market in the town

A resident said: “The militants struck at a busy spot near the Kuje Area Council Secretariat junction which also hosts a major bus stop in the town. They targeted crowded area because a mini-market is also being run in the area.

“As at the time the bomb explosion occurred, there were many people in the affected spot.
Another resident said: “The spontaneous attacks were launched on  Kuje at about 9.10pm. What they did was first of all to bomb the police station in Kuje to destabilize the police and other security agencies.

“Shortly after the attack on the police, another bomb was detonated at a busy end near Kuje Area Council Secretariat.
“The explosions shattered many buildings in Kuje. The General Hospital in the town was overstretched and  many ambulances were drafted to rescue victims.”

A reliable source said: “The insurgents invaded and attacked the FCT from two major entry points. But the military and security agencies have moved in”.

A statement by NEMA through its  Press Officer, Manzo Ezekiel, reads : “Following  the unfortunate explosions that occurred this night in Nyanya and Kuje, which are two satellite  towns in the Federal Capital Territory, the National Emergency Management Agency( NEMA) has deployed its rescue teams in the evacuation of the victims to various hospitals.

“The explosions which occurred simultaneously have resulted in a number of deaths and injuries but the rescue operations coordinated by NEMA are still ongoing. Details would be made available later.”

Source:

The Nation Newspaper