At least 21 dead, explosion at plaza in Abuja

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Reports reaching BusinessDay reveals that a car bomb detonated at an area very close to Emab Plaza, an upscale shopping centre, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Eye witnesses say the driver of the car got away in a ‘power bike’ motor cycle  couple of minutes before the bomb exploded.

BusinessDay reporter at the scene counted eight dead, noting that the casualty were mostly hawkers who sell fruits, recharge cards around the area and taxi driver who normally load their vehicle at the scene.

“I heard a loud blast, it shattered the windows of the shop. We ran out. A lot of people ran too, some with blood stains,” the witness said.

Security operatives have since  cordoned off the area, as evacuation of injured and other persons continue. 

The impact of the blast was reportedly felt several kilometers away, and shook firmly the foundation of about 14 buildings around.

Already fingers are being pointed at Boko Haram, the terrorist group, which has taken responsibility for several such attacks in Abuja and several other states in Northern Nigeria.

As of time of filling this report,the  bomber is still at  large and has not yet been apprehended by security operatives as concentration is still focused on ensuring the clear evacuation of the vicinity by National Emergency Management  Agency operatives,and Rescue team of the Nigeria Security and civil Defence Corps,(NSCDC)