The death toll in the multiple bomb blasts in Abuja on Friday night has risen to 18, the National Emergency Management Agency has said.
The Senior Information Officer of the agency, Sani Datti, told one of our correspondents that two victims of the blasts, which occurred in Kuje, lost their lives on Saturday, while one of those caught in the Nyanya explosion died at one of the hospitals.
Datti said, “The casualty figure has risen to 18; it was 15 as of yesterday (Friday), but two victims of the Kuje blasts died today (Saturday). One of those caught in the blast at Nyanya also died today (Saturday) at one of the hospitals. So three more deaths were recorded, bringing the total figure to 18.”
The Federal Government had earlier stated that the number might change as some of the victims were in critical condition at different hospitals where they were being treated.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Babachir Lawal, disclosed this at the Trauma Centre of the National Hospital, Abuja.
Lawal visited the hospital alongside other senior functionaries of the Federal Government after they received a directive from the President to visit the locations.
He said, “The President directed us to go round and assess the damages arising from the bomb blast of yesterday (Friday). The suicide bombers operated at three locations, Nyanya motor park, the Kuje Police Station and the Kuje market.
“The main purpose of our visit is to commiserate with those that have lost their loved ones, some of whom are going through identification process.
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On the number of casualties, Lawal explained, “The tentative figures that we have indicate that there were a total of 17 deaths as at the time we visited the hospitals. At the Nyanya motor park, there were three deaths that included two of the suicide bombers. At the two Kuje scenes, we recorded 14 deaths including one suicide bomber.
“Scores of people were injured at all three sites. Some were with minor injuries and were treated and discharged at the several hospitals. Those with serious injuries were brought to this Trauma Centre and they are receiving treatment. Of course, the level of treatment will be diverse because the injuries are different.”
Our correspondents observed the presence of security operatives at the National Hospital on Saturday as they thoroughly searched vehicles and pedestrians visiting the hospital.
While a group of policemen were stationed at the main gate of the National Hospital, others were sighted some meters away from the main gate as they strategically positioned their pick-up truck in the area.
