A major shopping complex, Bannex plaza, at the Wuse II area of Abuja, the Federal Capital territory was the target of insurgents on Wednesday as a bomb was detonated. Unfortunately however, the bomb which is believed to have been carried by a suicide bomber struck at the gate of the mall, killing at least 21 people and injuring 17 others.
“After a preliminary investigation, we can confirm that 21 people were killed and 17 injured,” police spokesman Frank Mba informed reporters at the scene of the explosion.
The fire that followed the explosion which occurred at about 4pm engulfed most of the cars parked around the mall.
Witnesses at the scene said the explosion occurred while a car was driving into the mall.Bannex Plaza is a busy shopping mall located on Aminu kano crescent, a highbrow area of the capital.
At the time of this report, rescue workers have arrived the scene and men of the Fire Service have begun work. Ambulances were also conveying victims to the Maitama District Hospital as well as other hospitals close to the scene. The Information Officer of the National Emergency Management Agency, Sani Batti, said there are no details as rescue was still ongoing.
It was learnt that the security arrangement at the shopping mall had been very porous prior to the incident as it is believed that the insurgents took advantage of this.
Meanwhile, an explosion has occurred at Kasuwan Kuturu market in the Mubi area of Adamawa State, but the State police, John Abakasanga, said there were no casualties adding that the explosion targeted a police patrol team.
