The scene of a bomb blast during the 50th Independence Anniversary around the Millenium Park, Abuja. Photo by Abayomi Adeshida

By Daniel Idonor
ABUJA-President Goodluck Jonathan has vowed to arrest all those behind two separate bomb attacks in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) which left over 10 persons dead,

The President said the explosions are a low, dirty and wicked act of desperation by criminals and murderers who do not wish Nigeria well.

The two explosions happened in quick succession, while Nigeria 50th Independence Anniversary celebration was being staged at the Eagle Square.

The first was minor, while the second was more devastating affecting mostly those who went to see the first.

The first bomb explosion took place few meters from the State Box where President Goodluck Jonathan was seated during  the celebration, leaving at least two persons dead.

The second which occurred near the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, claimed several lives, most of which were severely burnt, beyond recognition.

SEE The Abuja Explosion in pix

According to an eye witness account the two victims who were confirmed dead at the Maitama General Hospital are uniform men.

The incident occurred shortly after a down pour that almost marred the beginning of the celebration.

Investigation by Vanguard revealed that the exact point the bombed blasted had less than 35 minutes earlier been washed away by the rain, and indeed deserted by people; an indication that the explosive may have been dropped shortly before explosion.

Initially many thought that it was an accidental discharge by policemen posted to the venue to provide security while the celebration lasted.

However, after the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief Mike Oghiadohme, in the company of Presidential Spokesman, Mr Ima Niboro visited the scene, it was discovered to be a bomb explosion.

The two mobile policemen who lay flat on the ground moments after the blast were hurriedly rushed to Maitama Hospital where they said to have been confirmed dead.

Mr Ima Niboro, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity in a statement, said “the bomb explosions which occurred near the Ministry of Justice in Abuja, and which claimed several lives are a low, dirty and wicked act of desperation by criminals and murderers who do not wish Nigeria well”.

“Coming at a time that the world had gathered together to celebrate Nigeria at 50”, according to statement, “these bomb attacks are the worst anniversary gifts any nation can get”.

“Their purpose was to ensure that the celebration at Eagle Square was cancelled by all means.  It is sad and unfortunate”.

President Jonathan, in the statement, “grieves with the families that have lost loved ones in the incidents. The president shares their consternation and understands their confoundment, as they mourn while the nation celebrates”.

“The president wants these families to know that their loved ones have not died in vain. Rather they have paid the supreme price for our unity; and in their death, they have watered the tree of our freedom.

To those behind these vicious acts, the president wants you to know that you will be found, and you will pay dearly for this heinous crime”, the President said.