Over 200 feared dead as explosion rocks Nigerian capital, Abuja

More than 200 people are feared dead in an explosion which rocked an outskirts of Abuja, the Nigerian capital, this morning.

The explosion sounded in a highly populated motor park in Nyanya, less than five minutes drive from the Abuja city Centre.

It is not clear yet how the bomb was ferried into the park, but witnesses suspect it was planted by a suicide bomber.

Several dead bodies now litter the blood spattered park and the expressway leading to the city.

Some of the dead victims and the injured are being taken to hospital by ambulances and vans belonging to the police, the Vehicle Inspection Office, Federal Road Safety Commission, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the National Emergency Management Agency.

Our reporter counted more than 50 bodies that were yet to be evacuated. But witnesses said more than 150 bodies may have been moved before our reporter’s arrival.

Some of the bodies are mangled beyond recognition.

Several vehicles, including about 12 government-owned high capacity buses operated by the Abuja Mass Transit Company Limited, were destroyed in the attack.

Some of the buses were said to be loaded with passengers when the explosion occurred.

Some of the images we have are too offensive. We are unable to post them here.

President Jonathan saddened by loss of lives in Nyanya bombing.

— Reuben Abati (@abati1990) April 14, 2014

President Jonathan has ordered heightened security in Abuja following Nyanya bombing.

— Reuben Abati (@abati1990) April 14, 2014

The multiple explosions at Nyanya bus park this morning is a terrible tragedy. No life is worth ending this way.

— Ali Modu Sheriff (@AliModuSheriff) April 14, 2014

We have to be more committed to dealing with our security challenges. Incidents like these should never be allowed to happen.

— Ali Modu Sheriff (@AliModuSheriff) April 14, 2014

Police &other security agencies ensuring adequate protection of live&property. Citizens are advice to go about their biz #NyanyaExplosion

— Nigeria Police Force (@PoliceNG) April 14, 2014

Live updates

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Details later.

Bodies of the Bomb blast Victims at Nyanya Abuja being shipped to Asokoro hospital pic.twitter.com/cN3x9Tpglu

— IG: dappyboy0489 (@Dappyboy0489) April 14, 2014

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