Metro Latest Abuja Bomb Blast Updates - 21 Dead, One Suspect Killed, Another Arrested [Photos Included]

[Vunderkind]

• A trader told Premium Times that this explosion has been planned since April (before the World Economic Forum). The owner of the facility stepped up security in the area, and this was why the bombers had to resort to 'throwing in' the bomb.
• The News Agency of Nigeria has stated that one of the suspects has been killed and another arrested. This information is attributed to Mike Omeri, coordinator of the National Information Centre.
• The blast occurred at the busy plaza at about 4p.m. local time, setting off a huge fire.
• Witnesses say the explosion went off as an apparently bomb-laden car drove through the gate of the shopping mall. The explosion destroyed 17 cars, Mr. Mba said.

"Twenty one persons have been confirmed dead and another 17 injured in a bomb explosion that hit Emab Plaza, in Wuse 2, Abuja, Wednesday," reads Premium Times. This number is expected to go up, unfortunately, when more data becomes available. Twelve bodies have been verified dead at the Maitama hospital with 35 injured.

The bomb blast, Mr Frank Mba, police spokesperson said, destroyed 17 cars in the vicinity. General hospital, Garki, has confirmed receiving seven injured

Mr Mba has confirmed the arrest of one suspect and promises that security has stepped up in the area following the attack. This is the third bomb explosion to rock the nation's capital in 2014 alone, the previous occurring in Nyanya in April and May.

Meanwhile, another blast also occurred in Adamawa today. No casualties were recorded there.

Headlines from other newspapers

Another Bomb Blast Rocks Abuja - ThisDay
Bomb Blasts reported in Adamawa, Abuja - The Sun
Abuja blast: Police confirms 21 dead - Premium Times
Nigeria explosion at Abuja shopping mall kills 21, wounds 17 - CBC

 

[Vunderkind]

The Coordinator, National Information Centre, Mr Mike Omeri, said on Wednesday that soldiers killed one of the suspected bombers of EMAB Plaza in Abuja and arrested another.

Omeri told newsmen in Abuja that the attackers came on a power bike and planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) by the entrance of the shopping mall.

He also confirmed the death of 21 persons and 17 others injured in the blast which also damaged several vehicles.

NAN gathered that the suspects, who attempted to flee the scene of the incident, were shot and arrested by personnel of the Guards Brigade on patrol duty in the area.

One of them later died from wounds sustained from gunshots while a bag containing IEDs was also recovered from the suspects.

NAN correspondents reported that some of the victims were receiving treatment at the National Hospital, Wuse General Hospital and Maitama General Hospital, where movement had been restricted.

FCT Minister Bala Mohammed gave an assurance during a visit to the Maitama hospital that the Federal Government would foot the medical bills of the victims.

Mohammed advised residents to be very vigilant at all times and report suspicious movements to security agencies for prompt action to check such attacks.

Earlier, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the explosion which occurred at EMAB Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja.
- via @Lequte