Security agencies have been placed on red alert throughout the Federal Capital Territory following the explosion that occurred in Nyanya bus stop on Monday morning. As at the time of filling this report, least 76 persons have died, while 16 buses and 12 cars were destroyed according to Police sources.
CSP Frank Mba, Police Force spokesman, told newsmen in Abuja at the scene of the incident that the blast occurred at about 6.55 a.m.
“The FCT police are already on red alert; security in and around Abuja is being strengthened; we are paying very close attention to all vulnerable points.
“We are also paying close attention to motor parks. We advise the public to avoid unnecessary huge crowd. We are also paying close attention to government buildings.
“We want to appeal for calm, cooperation and patience,’’ he said, describing the incident as sad.
Mba confirmed that 16 high capacity buses, some cars and motorcycles were affected in the explosion.
He said investigation had begun.
“Experts from the Bomb Disposal Squad are on ground, the police are working with other security agencies.
“At this stage, we may not be able to give the casualty figure; the reasons are obvious; a lot of people are in the hospital; our detectives are visiting hospitals and taking count.
“We want to give you figures that we can back up with facts,’’ he said.
A survivor, Prince Igwe, however, said a vehicle was driven into the park and parked in front of the already loaded high capacity buses.
“The driver hurriedly parked and disappeared shortly after the explosion went off. I was inside one of the buses; I struggled to come out.
“Many people died,’’ he said.
NAN also reports that the car was burnt beyond recognition but its chassis number could still be located on the engine.
A NAN correspondent who got to the scene shortly after the blast, counted about 70 corpses at the scene.
The huge explosion left a big crater at the scene of the blast.
Those affected were passengers, mostly workers leaving the park to the city centre, petty traders and vehicles conveying passengers to other locations within and outside the FCT.
Police and other security agencies as well as para-military agencies carrying out rescue operation had hectic time controlling crowd at the scene.
The force spokesman appealed to them to leave the scene for unfettered investigation.
Meanwhile, President Jonathan has ordered heightened security in Abuja following Nyanya bombing
Also, Former Presidential Candidate of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Nuhu Ribadu, has condemned the bomb blast that rocked a motor park in Nyanya area of Abuja on Monday morning.
“This is again another sad day for Nigerians. I’m completely devastated by this early morning news of explosions in Nyanya, a suburb of Abuja which is host to a bulk of our workforce. Where exactly have we, and especially the reported 200 unfortunate casualties of the blasts, gone wrong to have been subjected to this endless chain of tragedies,” Ribadu said.
He sent condolences to the family of all citizens killed in the blast.
“My heartfelt condolences to the family of all innocent citizens killed in this dysfunction of a nation. We are being confronted by a people who have no understanding of humanity.”
He called for all to unite against “a monstrous reality seeking to terminate our existence as a people and as a nation.”