UPDATE: Nyanya blast death toll now 25

A bomb went off at Nyanya near Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, on Thursday evening, killing six persons instantly.

Six persons, who were injured as at first count, were evacuated to the hospital by men of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The death toll soon rose to nine, while 14 more people were confirmed to have sustained injuries, bringing the number of people lying in Asokoro General Hospital to 20.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred a few minutes after 8pm opposite the Nyanya Motor Park, when a Mazda car containing a bomb went off.

“The bomb was planted in a car close to the road,” one person who witnessed it said.

“The bomber was targeting the usual traffic in the area, but I know he must have been disappointed, because if it weren’t a holiday, more people would have died. That road is usually very busy. The tragedy could have been worse.”

A combined team of security agencies arrived at the scene to cordon it off, while a crowd also gathered, causing heavy traffic on the road.

At About 11:30 pm, an official of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), who participated in the rescue effort, confirmed to TheCable that at least 25 people have died while 3o people are injured.

More still to follow…