Bomb blast mars Nigeria's Golden Jubilee celebration

From: George-Ramsey Benamba, GNA Special Correspondent, Abuja, Nigeria

Abuja, Oct 2, GNA - A bomb blast and an accidental gunshot from a police man, on Friday, claimed 10 lives and injured 18 others, near the Eagle Square where Nigeria's Golden Jubilee celebration parade was held. The incident occurred at the forecourt of the Federal Court, about 200 metres from the Eagle Square.

Although the bombing did not cause any harm to celebrants at the Eagle Square, its sound was enough to scare off most people who initially thought it was coming from the military at the parade. A senior police Officer, who declined to mention his name, at the scene, told the Ghana News Agency, in an interview, that security personnel who were detailed to secure the area had a tough time dispersing the crowd that thronged there to catch a glimpse of the celebrations.

He said as a result, one police officer decided to fire tear gas, which killed two persons and blew off his own hand. The Policeman said soon after that, another group of persons who were prevented from entering with their vehicles into the Square, absconded but abandoned their vehicles at the scene. He said about 20 minutes later, the vehicles exploded killing eight people instantly and injuring 18 others who were rushed to various health facilities in the capital.

President Good Luck Jonathan condemned the act describing it as 'the worse anniversary gift the perpetrators could present to Nigeria.' Vice President John Dramani Mahama, who led the Ghanaian delegation to Nigerian celebration, was among the over 15 presidents and representatives who patronized the occasion in Abuja.