The attack is coming just hours after the nation’s security forces raised a red alert about an imminent attack following movement of members of the sect across the federation.
“After a preliminary investigation, we can confirm that 21 people were killed and 17 injured,” Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba told reporters at the scene of the explosion.
Banex Plaza is a popular market in the FCT located on Aminu Kano Crescent and has some adjoining federal agencies. We gathered that the attack occurred in the evening when Nigerians were preparing to watch the match between the Super Eagles and the Argentine team.
The explosion shattered windows of the massive shopping mall and burnt tens of vehicles parked within the plaza. Eye witness say human parts were scattered in the vicinity with blood stains.
At the time of this report, men of the fire service were battling to put off the fire that resulted from the explosion. Rescue workers have also arrived the scene and conveying scores of victims to the Maitama District Hospital as well as other hospitals close to the scene.
The explosion took place just about an hour after an attack at Kasuwan Kuturu Market in Mubi, Adaamawa State. There was no casualty in that attack.
