Update on Emab Plaza bombing, 21 confirmed dead, 17 injured

The Nigeria Police Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, has confirmed that 21 people died this afternoon when a bomb went off at the very busy Emab Plaza in Wuse 2, Abuja. He also confirmed that 17 people were seriously injured and have been taken to Maitama District Hospital,  Gwarimpa hospital, Wuse hospital, Garki hospital and National hospital. 

Mr Mba said one suspect has been arrested and investigations have already started. The bomb is said to have gone off in a car as it passed through the gate of the mall around 4 this afternoon. The fire that followed the explosion is said to have engulfed most of the cars parked around the mall.  

Security Forces have condoned off the scene of the blast, while the Police Bomb Disposal Squad has commenced post-blast analysis as part of the general investigative process, according to a statement.

The attack is believed to have been carried out by a suicide bomber though there are other conflicting reports from some eye-witnesses that a man on a bike threw the explosive and sped off. Though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, we all can kinda guess. See more photos after the cut..

US Congress Reveal Where Boko Haram Received Training

Members of the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs have disclosed that members of the dreaded Boko Haram sect were trained by Al-Qaeda.

Ed Royce
Speaking on Wednesday, May 21 during the Committee’s Hearing on the Menace of Boko Haram tagged: ‘Boko Haram- The Growing Threat To School Girls, Nigeria And Beyond’, the Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Ed Royce said, being trained by the global terrorist sect meant greater terror for Nigerians, and greater challenges for Nigerian security forces.
The government of the United States had earlier said that Boko Haram sect, is not a branch of the global terrorist organization, Al Qaeda and it should be treated as 'its own terrorist group.'
Meanwhile, President Jonathan had during the security summit hosted by French President Francois Hollande in Paris on Saturday described the Boko Haram, as the “al Qaeda of West Africa."
The Nigerian government has been fighting tooth and nail to curb Boko Haram which has been one of its biggest challenges and so far, all efforts have proved futile.
Despite troops of Nigerian soldiers sent to the areas being terrorised by Boko Haram, they are wrecking havoc, killing innocent people and destroying properties.
They have gained global recognition and their name seems to be on everyone's lips at the moment after they abducted over 200 girls from their school in Chibok. The government is working with foreign countries to make sure the girls are released and returned safely to their homes.

READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/66788.html

Pics from Pres. Jonathan's visit to bomb victims at Asokoro Hospital

President Jonathan and his Service Chiefs just visited victims of the Nyanya Motor Park bombing at the Asokoro General Hospital in Abuja. Continue to see more photos...

Pics from bomb aftermath

UPDATE On Nyanya Bomb Blast: President Jonathan Visits Site, NEMA Requests For Blood Donation As Death Toll Rises To 71

President Jonathan has visited this afternoon Nyanya Motor Park where the deadly explosion that claimed the lives of many innocent Nigerians happened this morning.
Mr Jonathan is said to have canceled his trip to Ibadan Oyo State, where he was headed to felicitate with the Olubadan of Ibadan who turned 100 years today.
The President while at the scene expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and reassured Nigerians that Boko Haram will be conquered.
The president after leaving the scene proceeded to Asokoro General Hospital where  most of the victims were taken to.

Sniffer dogs were taken to the scene of the Abuja bomb attack

Meanwhile the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) have called on Nigerians to rally round to donate blood to save the lives of some of the victims. The agency said most of the victims need blood urgently survive and have requested Nigerians to visit the General Hospitals in Nyanya and Asokoro in Abuja for the donation.
Those within the main city can also donate blood at NEMA office at 39 Abidjan Street, Wuse Zone 3 Abuja. .

The official death toll has now risen to 71 with 124 persons injured.
Also 16 luxury buses, 24 other vehicles were said to have been burnt in the disastrous incident.