30 killed as explosions rock Jos

Eight bombs went off in two locations in Jos on Friday night as the bombers targeted Christmas Eve Christian worshippers. The first bomb was set to have gone off at about 7.30 pm, with the rest going of minutes after. Eyewitnesses say no fewer than 30 people were killed in the quintuple bomb blasts.

Our correspondent gathered that four bombs went off simultaneously at Kabong in Gada Biu area of Jos North, with one going off in front of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Kabong. No fewer than 10 Christmas Eve Catholic worshippers were said to have been torn to shreds by the bomb. Residents of the area were in utter confusion as the bombs went off one after the other, sending them scampering to safety.

It was gathered that three of the bombs were planted inside the Gada Biu Market, at the foot of the newly-inaugurated flyover bridge, where late night shoppers were trying to get items, especially food for the Christmas celebrations.

Correspondingly four others bombs were said to have gone off at Angwan Rukuba, about eight kilometres from Gada Biu. In both areas, churches and crowded areas, like markets were the prime targets. But just as the story was being filed, another one was said to have gone off at 9 pm. There is still confusion in the area as residents fear more bombs were likely to go off.

Eyewitnesses told our correspondent that eight bodies were counted in front of the church, while unspecified numbers of people were blown off inside the market.

Both the dead and the injured from Gada Biu bombings were being evacuated to ECWA Evangel Hospital, while those from Angwan Rukuba were taken to the Jos University Teaching Hospital. As at the time of writing, men of the Special Military Task Force, the police, civil defence and Red Cross officials are evacuating both the dead and the injured

Plateau State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Greg Yenlong, who confirmed the incident, attributed it to the handiwork of Al Qaeda in Jos.

He said that the incidents have confirmed reports that Al Qaeda has been targeting to bomb Jos. He said that the rumour had been rife that some people were about to bomb certain parts of the metropolis.

”The latest incident is condemnable and it goes to show that there are people who are not interested in seeing that peace is restored to Jos. Spokesman for the STF, Captain Charles Ekeocha, could not be reached as he was said to be coordinating the operation.

Member representing Jos East/Jos South in Federal House of Representatives, Mr. Bitrus Kaze, described the incident as unfortunate.

He said that the bombers had timed the bombing to coincide with the Christmas and party primaries with the aim of sending panic and fear. He urged security agents to bring the perpetrators to book.



Source:http://www.punchng.com