A bomb has exploded in an army barracks in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city killing and injuring many including women and children. The bomb is reported to have gone off at around 7.00pm in the area of the barracks locally known as mammy market.
The area was full of women, children and men relaxing ahead of New Year celebrations. The bomb is reported to have exploded specifically in the area where many gather to eat freshly roasted fish . It is not clear just how many have died but eye witnesses speak of seeing bodies. The injured have been taken to a medical centre within the the barracks. The barracks, popularly known as Sani Abacha barracks and which is situated along the Keffi – Abuja express way close to the Highbrow Asokoro area of Abuja; has been cordoned off. Reports also say that building housing police headquarters in Abuja has been sealed but it is not clear if this is related to the bombing.
Former Nigerian vice – president, Atiku Abubakar, a presidential aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party has denounced the bombings and described them as ” senseless and wicked”. In a statement issued a few minutes ago, Mr Abubakar said he sympathises with innocent military and civilian victims caught in the bombing incident.
The former vice- president went on to say that the latest bomb targeted at a military establishment is an indication that ” President Jonathan cannot provide the type of leadership to secure the nation.”
Presidential Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ima Niboro, released a statement saying, Tonight, evil people determined to turn the joys of fellow Nigerians to ashes detonated a bomb at a barracks market in the Federal Capital City.
Basking in their nefarious success in Jos on Christmas eve, they have once again knifed at the heartstrings of a nation decked out in gaiety, celebrating new year’s eve. This is extreme evil. It is wicked. It defies all that we that we believe in, and stand for as a nation.
The president, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, condemns this attack, and commands the nation’s security services to rise to the occasion and arrest this new and dangerous challenge to our peace and stability.
There shall be no sacred cows. All, no matter how remotely connected to these incidents, must be brought to justice.They must be made to pay. No one, and we repeat, no one, can make
this nation ungovernable.
