Suspects Arrested Over Abuja Bomb Blast…Govt Confirms 21 Killed, 17 Wounded In Shopping Malls’ Explosion

Less than two weeks after the Nigerian security agencies alerted of fresh plot by Boko Haram to attack Abuja, the nation's federal capital city, the insurgents struck today setting off bomb explosions at the town's two biggest shopping malls, Bannex and Emab Plazas, killing at least 21 persons while 17 others are critically wounded. The National Information Centre (NIC) which confirmed the bomb explosion that occurred between the popular and busy Bannex and Emab Plazas situated in Wuse II district of the Federal Capital City said security and rescue agencies have cordoned off the area to restore calm. This is even as the police confirmed that some arrests have been made in connection with the blast. A statement issued by the Coordinator of the Centre, Mike Omeri advised residents of the FCT to remain calm and go about their normal business saying security agencies have fully mobilized to the scene of the incident and are handling the situation. Omeri further said that every step is being taken by the government to check the activities of insurgents in the country and advised Nigerians to remain vigilant and conscious of movement of unidentified people around their areas. He expressed the sympathy of the federal government to the families of those that lost their lives just as he wished the injured speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the FCT Minister, Senator Bala Mohammed has condemned Wednesday’s bomb blast which he described as a savagery act even as he again directed free medical services for all those injured. He spoke during his visit to the scene of the bombing and the Maitama District Hospital, where most of the injured were receiving treatment. The Minister also restated his directive a fortnight ago for stricter security in all public places and other soft targets which usually witness large gathering within the FCT. He said security plans of action are being developed to forestall further attack by insurgents. Senator Bala Mohammed described the incident as most unfortunate stressing that the softest target, a busy road corridor, was the target of the attackers. He commended the security agencies for their efforts in combating terror in the FCT and pledged more support for them by the FCT Administration. He also praised the emergency services especially the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the FCT Hospital and Human Services Secretariat. The Secretary of FCT Health and Human Services Secretariat, Dr. Demola Onakomaiya said those injured were rushed to Maitama, Asokoro, Wuse and National Hospital by emergency workers. He added that the victims of those who died had also been deposited at the various morgues in these hospitals. The Nigeria Police Force PRO, Mr. Frank Mba said that arrests have been made by the security forces in connection with the bombing. Those who accompanied Senator Bala Mohammed during the visit by the FCT Minister of State, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Engr. John Chukwu, the Force PRO, Mr. Frank Mba, the Director of State Security Services (DSSS) in FCT, Mr. John Okojie and other officials.