The death toll from Thursday night bomb explosion at Nyanya, a suburb of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja has risen to 19 while 66 are left with varying degrees of injuries, Nigeria Police confirmed on Friday.
According to Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, six of the injured persons have however been treated and discharged.
The blast which took place about 7.15 pm occurred close to the scene of the previous one which claimed no fewer than 75 lives and left over 200 injured.
Mba, also advised families seeking information about their loved ones to visit Asokoro Hospital where 34 injured person are being treated and 10 corpses deposited; Wuse General Hospital where one injured person is being treated and three corpses deposited; National hospital where six corpses are deposited and nine receiving treatment, as well as Maraba, Maitama, Nyanya, Gwagwalada, Customs and Pa-Raf Hospitals where others are receiving treatment.
He also disclosed that the scene of the explosion has been condoned off while police anti-bomb squad recovered and safely defused three unexploded Improvised Explosive devices (IED).
The statement reads in part, “Following the unfortunate bomb blast which took place about 7:15pm on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at Nyanya, a suburb at Federal Capital Abuja, the Police and other law enforcement agents and Emergency Response officers rushed to the scene and evacuated the injured victims to hospital for medical attention.
“The blast left 19 persons dead and 66 others with varying degrees of injuries. Six of the injured however, have been treated and discharged. Families seeking information as to the whereabouts of their loved ones are advised to visit the following under listed hospitals,” Mba said.
He also disclosed that the scene of the explosion has been condoned off while police anti-bomb squad recovered and safely defused three unexploded Improvised Explosive devices (IED).
Mba stated further, “The Nigeria Police Force has already commenced a full scale investigation into the blast.
“Meanwhile, in order to avoid the contamination of crime scene and protect the public from the risk associated with such crime scenes, members of the public are strongly advised to keep away from all scenes of blasts and other related crimes.
“While commiserating with the families of the victims, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP MD Abubakar, has advised the general public to remain calm, security conscious, and support the security agencies in order to defeat terrorism and other acts of criminality in our land”.
