Explosion wounds 3 near ceremony to mark Nigeria’s 50th independence after militant threat
By APFriday, October 1, 2010
Explosion hurts 3 near ceremony in Nigeria capital
ABUJA, Nigeria — Two car bombs have exploded in Nigeria’s capital as the country marks its 50th independence anniversary.
An Associated Press reporter says he sees three people lying on the ground in front of the federal high court on Friday.
Another AP reporter says he heard an explosion just before the parade was set to begin at Nigeria’s Eagle Square.
The event, attended by President Goodluck Jonathan, is continuing without interruption.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, the main militant group in Nigeria’s oil-rich southern delta, issued a threat to journalists Friday morning promising to bomb the event. In the message, the group said that there was “nothing worth celebrating after 50 years of failure.”
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Witnesses say they have heard an explosion near where Nigeria’s government is celebrating its 50th independence.
An Associated Press reporter says he heard an explosion just before the parade was set to begin at Nigeria’s Eagle Square on Friday. The explosion happened on the parade ground, and a security agent was seen lying on the ground near the blast.
The event, attended by President Goodluck Jonathan, is continuing without interruption.
The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, the main militant group in Nigeria’s oil-rich southern delta, issued a threat to journalists Friday morning promising to bomb the event. In the message, the group said that there was “nothing worth celebrating after 50 years of failure.”
