The 50th Independent anniversary turned sour in Abuja yesterday following bomb explosions that left many people dead and several others in critical condition.
Although government had put the number of deaths at eight, eyewitnesses said at least 18 corpses were seen at the scene of the blast.
The bomb explosions took place at Abuja’s Central Business District, near the Eagle Square, venue of the independent anniversary parade, just as the celebration was nearing its peak
President Goodluck Jonathan described the development as a low, dirty and wicked act of desperation by criminals and murders, who did not wish Nigeria well.
Saturday Sun learnt that the first explosion took place about 11am, while the second one, which claimed more lives, went off after a 10-minute interval. Both bombs went off from two cars, which were on their way to the Eagle Square but turned back by the police.
The blasts occurred opposite the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Federal High Court Headquarters, on Shehu Shagari Way, some 800 metres from the Eagle Square.
At least four policemen were said to be among the dead, although the police high command could not confirm it.
A Chief Superintendent of Police, who witnessed the explosions, told Saturday Sun in confidence that the vehicles bearing the bombs were on their way to the Eagle Square when they were stopped by two of his men, a corporal and a constable.
Story From MODESTUS CHUKWULAKA, JULIANA TAIWO, LAMBERT TYEM, Abuja
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